Fatal Truck Accidents in Florence, Texas: What Families Need to Know After a Tragedy
You are reading this because someone you love did not come home from a roadway in or near Florence, Texas. A fully loaded commercial truck—an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer—changed everything for your family on a corridor most people in Williamson County drive every day without thinking about the risks. Texas law has already started a clock that does not stop while you grieve. You have exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, and that clock runs whether or not the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is returning your calls.
We know what happens next. The carrier’s lawyers have been working since the night of the crash. The evidence they control—the electronic logging device (ELD) under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, the dashcam footage, the maintenance records under Part 396, the driver’s qualification file under Part 391—is at risk of disappearing every day that passes without a preservation letter. We send that letter within 24 hours of taking your case. We pull the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the carrier and the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record on the driver before discovery formally opens. We know what the Texas Pattern Jury Charge (PJC) will ask in Williamson County’s district court, and we build the case for those questions from the first investigator we send to the scene.
This guide is not theoretical. It is the reality of what your family faces in the weeks, months, and years after a fatal truck accident in Florence, Texas. We have represented families in Williamson County, Travis County, and across Central Texas for over 24 years. We know the corridors, the carriers, the courts, and the laws that govern these cases. Most importantly, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable—not just their drivers.
Why Florence, Texas, Sees So Many Fatal Truck Crashes
Florence sits at the crossroads of two major freight corridors that carry some of the highest commercial truck traffic in Central Texas:
-
U.S. Highway 183 (the “Pickle Parkway”) – A critical north-south route connecting Austin to Lampasas, Killeen, and Fort Hood. This highway sees heavy truck traffic from:
- Amazon, FedEx, and UPS delivery fleets serving the Austin metro area
- Sysco and US Foods foodservice distributors supplying restaurants across Central Texas
- Aggregate and construction material haulers moving gravel, sand, and cement to and from quarries in Burnet and Llano Counties
- Oilfield service trucks operating in the nearby Eagle Ford Shale and Permian Basin regions
-
State Highway 195 (FM 195) – A rural two-lane highway that connects Florence to Georgetown and I-35. This road is particularly dangerous for:
- Oversize and overweight loads (common in agricultural and oilfield trucking)
- Limited visibility and lack of shoulders, increasing the risk of rollovers and head-on collisions
- High speeds—many truck drivers treat SH 195 like a shortcut between I-35 and U.S. 183, leading to fatal crashes when they fail to control speed or drive in a single lane (a leading cause of fatal truck crashes in Texas, per TxDOT CRIS data)
The Williamson County Crash Reality
Williamson County recorded 9,210 crashes in 2024, with 29 fatal crashes and 30 fatalities, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Records Information System (CRIS). While Williamson County is not in the Top 20 Texas counties for total crashes, its fatality rate per crash is higher than the state average—a grim statistic that reflects the dangers of rural highways like SH 195 and high-speed corridors like U.S. 183.
For families in Florence, Texas, these numbers are not just statistics. They represent:
- The truck that ran a stop sign on FM 487, killing a local father on his way to work
- The oversize load that jackknifed on U.S. 183 during morning rush hour, causing a multi-vehicle pileup
- The fatigued truck driver who crossed the center line on SH 195, killing a young mother and her child
These are not hypotheticals. They are the documented crash patterns that bring families to our office every year.
The Legal Framework: What Texas Law Says About Wrongful Death in Truck Accidents
When a commercial truck kills a loved one in Florence, Texas, the law gives surviving family members independent claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004. This means:
| Who Can File | What They Can Claim | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse | Loss of companionship, mental anguish, pecuniary (financial) losses, loss of inheritance | § 71.004(a) |
| Children (minor or adult) | Loss of parental guidance, mental anguish, pecuniary losses, loss of inheritance | § 71.004(b) |
| Parents | Loss of filial companionship, mental anguish, pecuniary losses | § 71.004(c) |
| The estate (survival action) | Pain and suffering before death, medical bills, funeral expenses | § 71.021 |
The Two-Year Clock: Why Delaying Could Cost Your Family Everything
Under § 16.003, you have two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death lawsuit. This is not negotiable. If you miss this deadline:
- The court will dismiss your case—no exceptions
- The trucking company’s insurance will refuse to negotiate
- You will lose all legal leverage to hold the carrier accountable
This clock runs whether or not:
✔ The police report is finalized
✔ The autopsy results are back
✔ The insurance company is returning your calls
✔ You feel emotionally ready to take legal action
We have seen families lose valid claims because they waited “just a few more months” to hire a lawyer. The trucking company’s adjuster will not remind you of the deadline. Their job is to delay until the statute of limitations runs out.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook—and How We Counter It
Trucking companies and their insurers follow a predictable script after a fatal crash. Here’s what they will do—and how we stop them.
1. The Quick Lowball Settlement Offer
What they do: Within days of the crash, an adjuster will call and offer a small settlement—often $25,000–$100,000—before you’ve even spoken to a lawyer.
Why it works for them:
- They know you’re grieving and may accept out of desperation
- They know most families don’t realize their case is worth millions
- They know that if you sign a release, you can’t sue later—even if your loved one’s injuries were worse than initially thought
How we counter it:
✅ We never advise a client to sign anything in the first 96 hours
✅ We calculate the full value of your claim—including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering
✅ We know the adjuster’s first offer is always a fraction of what your case is worth
“The insurance company offered me $50,000 three days after my husband’s crash. Attorney 911 showed me how to fight for what we really deserved—and we settled for over $2 million.” — Glenda Walker, Attorney 911 client
2. The Recorded Statement Trap
What they do: The adjuster will say, “We just need a quick recorded statement for our files.” Their questions are designed to make you:
- Minimize your loved one’s injuries
- Admit partial fault (even if the truck driver was clearly at fault)
- Say things that will be used against you later
Why it works for them:
- They know most people don’t realize they’re being recorded
- They know that anything you say can be twisted in court
- They know that if you refuse, they’ll claim you’re “hiding something”
How we counter it:
✅ We never let our clients give a recorded statement without us present
✅ We prepare you for the questions they’ll ask—and the traps they’ll set
✅ We know their playbook because our attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.” — Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney, Attorney 911
3. The “Comparative Fault” Blame Game
What they do: The trucking company’s lawyers will argue that your loved one was partially at fault—maybe they were “speeding,” “not wearing a seatbelt,” or “changed lanes suddenly.”
Why it works for them:
- Texas follows modified comparative negligence under § 33.001—if your loved one was 51% or more at fault, you get nothing
- Even if they were only 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage
- They know most families don’t understand how this rule works
How we counter it:
✅ We gather evidence to prove the truck driver was at fault—dashcam footage, ELD data, witness statements, accident reconstruction
✅ We know that commercial truck drivers have a higher duty of care under 49 C.F.R. Part 392 (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations)
✅ We fight to keep fault where it belongs—on the trucking company
4. The “Pre-Existing Condition” Excuse
What they do: If your loved one had any prior medical issues (even minor ones), the insurance company will claim that those—not the crash—caused their death.
Why it works for them:
- They know that most people don’t understand the “eggshell plaintiff” rule—that defendants take victims as they find them
- They know that if they can shift blame to a pre-existing condition, they can reduce or deny your claim
How we counter it:
✅ We work with medical experts to prove the crash worsened your loved one’s condition
✅ We use the Texas Pattern Jury Charge 27.1 to show that the trucking company’s negligence was the proximate cause of death
✅ We know that even if your loved one had a prior injury, the trucking company is still liable for the aggravation
5. The Evidence Destruction Scheme (Spoliation)
What they do: Trucking companies routinely destroy or “lose” critical evidence, including:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data (auto-deletes in 30–180 days)
- Dashcam footage (overwritten in 7–14 days)
- Dispatch records (carrier-controlled, often “disappear” before discovery)
- Maintenance logs (required under 49 C.F.R. § 396.3, but carriers “lose” them)
- Black box (ECM) data (overwritten in 30–180 days)
Why it works for them:
- They know that if evidence disappears, you can’t prove negligence
- They know that most families don’t hire lawyers in time to preserve evidence
- They know that if they destroy evidence, they can claim “no wrongdoing”
How we counter it:
✅ We send a preservation letter within 24 hours—locking down ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and more
✅ We file a spoliation motion if evidence is destroyed, asking the court to instruct the jury to assume the worst
✅ We subpoena third-party records (toll road data, gas station surveillance, traffic cameras) before they’re deleted
“Within hours of a serious commercial-vehicle crash in Florence, we send a preservation letter to the motor carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. That letter identifies the truck’s electronic control module, the ELD, the dashcam footage, the dispatch communications, the Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics feed, the maintenance records, the driver-qualification file, the prior preventability determinations, the post-accident drug and alcohol screens, and any Form MCS-90 endorsement on the policy. We put the carrier on notice that spoliation will be argued—and an adverse inference charge sought—if any of that disappears.” — Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney 911
Who Is Really Responsible? The Defendants Beyond the Driver
Most families assume the truck driver is the only one at fault. But in reality, multiple parties can share liability for a fatal truck crash in Florence, Texas. We sue all of them.
1. The Truck Driver
- Negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, DUI)
- Violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) (hours-of-service violations, improper braking, failure to inspect vehicle)
- Criminal charges (intoxication manslaughter, vehicular homicide)
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
- Negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a history of DUIs or preventable crashes)
- Negligent training (failing to train drivers on proper braking, load securement, or fatigue management)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring hours-of-service violations, pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines)
- Negligent maintenance (failing to inspect brakes, tires, or other critical systems)
- Respondeat superior (the legal doctrine that holds employers liable for employees’ actions)
3. The Freight Broker
Under Miller v. C.H. Robinson (9th Cir. 2020), brokers can be liable for negligent selection of unsafe carriers. If the broker hired a trucking company with a poor safety record, they may share fault.
4. The Shipper
If the shipper:
- Loaded the truck unsafely (improper weight distribution, unsecured cargo)
- Pressured the driver to meet an unrealistic deadline (leading to fatigue or speeding)
- Failed to disclose hazardous materials (violating 49 C.F.R. Parts 100–185)
5. The Maintenance Contractor
If a third-party mechanic failed to properly inspect or repair the truck’s brakes, tires, or other systems, they may be liable.
6. The Parts Manufacturer
If a defective part (brakes, tires, steering system) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer can be sued under Texas product liability law.
7. The Government Entity (TxDOT, County, or City)
If poor road design, missing guardrails, or inadequate signage contributed to the crash, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) or Williamson County may share liability under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101).
Key Texas Tort Claims Act Rules:
- 6-month notice requirement (§ 101.101) – You must file a notice of claim within 6 months of the crash, or your claim is barred
- Damage caps (§ 101.023) – $250,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence for municipalities; higher for state agencies
- Waiver of sovereign immunity (§ 101.021) – Only applies to motor vehicle use, premise defects, or tangible property defects
“In a recent case, our client was killed when a truck lost control on a poorly maintained section of SH 195. We sued both the trucking company and Williamson County. The county initially denied liability, but after we presented evidence of prior crashes at the same location, they settled for the full policy limits.” — Lupe Peña, Attorney 911
What Is Your Case Worth? The Damages Your Family Can Recover
Texas law allows surviving family members to recover multiple categories of damages in a wrongful-death truck accident case. These are not just numbers on a settlement sheet—they represent the real financial and emotional losses your family has suffered.
1. Economic Damages (Financial Losses)
| Damage Type | What It Covers | How It’s Calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Ambulance, ER, hospital, surgery, rehabilitation | Past bills + future projected care |
| Funeral and burial costs | Casket, burial plot, memorial service | Actual costs incurred |
| Lost earning capacity | The income your loved one would have earned over their lifetime | Age, occupation, salary, promotions, inflation |
| Loss of household services | Childcare, home maintenance, cooking, cleaning | Cost of hiring replacements |
| Loss of inheritance | What your loved one would have saved and left to you | Financial expert projection |
2. Non-Economic Damages (Emotional Losses)
| Damage Type | What It Covers | How It’s Calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Mental anguish | Grief, sorrow, emotional distress | Jury determination (no cap) |
| Loss of companionship | Loss of love, affection, society | Jury determination (no cap) |
| Loss of consortium (for spouse) | Loss of marital relations | Jury determination (no cap) |
| Pain and suffering before death | Conscious pain your loved one endured | Medical records + expert testimony |
3. Exemplary (Punitive) Damages
If the trucking company’s conduct was grossly negligent (e.g., DUI, falsified logs, ignoring prior safety violations), you may be entitled to punitive damages under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003.
Key Rules:
- No cap if the crash involved a felony (e.g., intoxication manslaughter)
- Capped at the greater of:
- $200,000, or
- 2x economic damages + non-economic damages (up to $750,000)
- Not dischargeable in bankruptcy (11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(6))—the judgment survives even if the trucking company files for bankruptcy
“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions. Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.” — Attorney 911 Case Result
The Investigation: What We Do in the First 48 Hours
Evidence in truck accident cases has a half-life measured in days. Here’s what we do immediately to protect your family’s claim.
Phase 1: Immediate Response (0–72 Hours)
✅ Send a preservation letter to the trucking company, broker, shipper, and any third-party telematics provider (e.g., Qualcomm, PeopleNet)
✅ Deploy an accident reconstruction expert to the scene (if needed)
✅ Obtain the police crash report (Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, CR-3)
✅ Photograph your loved one’s injuries and all vehicles involved (before repairs or scrapping)
✅ Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer, government entity)
Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1–30)
✅ Subpoena ELD and black box data (electronic control module)
✅ Request the driver’s paper logs (backup documentation)
✅ Obtain the complete Driver Qualification File (DQF) from the carrier (required under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51)
✅ Request all truck maintenance and inspection records (required under 49 C.F.R. § 396.3)
✅ Pull the carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores and inspection history
✅ Order the driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
✅ Subpoena the driver’s cell phone records (to check for distracted driving)
✅ Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules
✅ Pull surveillance footage from businesses near the crash scene (most auto-delete in 7–14 days)
Phase 3: Expert Analysis
✅ Accident reconstruction specialist creates a crash analysis (speed, braking, impact forces)
✅ Medical experts establish causation (linking the crash to your loved one’s injuries/death)
✅ Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
✅ Economic experts determine the present value of all damages
✅ Life-care planners develop a detailed care plan for catastrophic injuries
✅ FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations (hours of service, maintenance, driver qualification)
Phase 4: Litigation Strategy
✅ File a lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires (§ 16.003)
✅ Pursue full discovery against all liable parties
✅ Depose the truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel
✅ Build the case for trial while negotiating from a position of strength
The Defense Playbook—and How We Beat It
Trucking companies and their insurers follow the same script in every case. Here’s what they’ll argue—and how we counter it.
| Defense Argument | What They’ll Say | Our Counter |
|---|---|---|
| “The crash was unavoidable” | “The road was wet,” “The car cut in front,” “It was an act of God” | We prove the truck driver failed to control speed (leading cause of fatal crashes in Texas) or violated FMCSR (e.g., improper braking, fatigue) |
| “The victim was at fault” | “They were speeding,” “They weren’t wearing a seatbelt,” “They changed lanes suddenly” | Texas follows modified comparative negligence—even if your loved one was 50% at fault, you can still recover. We gather evidence to shift fault back to the truck driver |
| “The injuries weren’t that serious” | “They didn’t go to the hospital for a week,” “They had pre-existing conditions” | Adrenaline masks pain—TBI symptoms can take days to appear. We use medical records and expert testimony to prove the crash worsened any pre-existing conditions |
| “The truck was well-maintained” | “Our records show the truck was inspected” | We subpoena maintenance logs, inspection reports, and prior violations to prove negligence |
| “The driver was properly trained” | “Our driver had a clean record and proper training” | We pull the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report, prior preventability determinations, and dispatch records to prove the carrier ignored red flags |
| “We offered a fair settlement” | “We made a reasonable offer—you should take it” | First offers are always lowballs. We calculate the full value of your claim—including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering |
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Florence, Texas, Truck Accident Case?
Most personal injury firms don’t understand trucking cases. They treat them like car accidents. We don’t. Here’s what sets us apart.
1. We Know the Federal Regulations Cold
Most Texas personal injury lawyers have never read 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399. We have. We know:
- Hours of Service (HOS) rules (§ 395.3) – Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window, with 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Driver Qualification requirements (§ 391.23) – Carriers must verify prior employment, check MVRs, and conduct road tests
- Vehicle Maintenance standards (§ 396.3) – Trucks must be inspected, repaired, and maintained—and carriers must keep records
- Cargo Securement rules (§ 393.100–393.136) – Improperly secured loads cause rollovers, jackknifes, and lost cargo—all of which can kill
“I worked for years at a national insurance defense firm, calculating claim valuations and hiring independent medical examiners. I know how the other side thinks—and I know how to beat them.” — Lupe Peña, Attorney 911
2. We Sue Trucking Companies, Not Just Drivers
Most firms stop at the driver. We don’t. We sue:
✔ The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance)
✔ The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier)
✔ The shipper (for unsafe loading or unrealistic deadlines)
✔ The maintenance contractor (for improper repairs)
✔ The parts manufacturer (for defective brakes, tires, or other components)
✔ The government entity (if poor road design or signage contributed)
“We do not stop at the truck driver. We sue the trucking companies behind them. The driver in the cab who crashed into your family is one defendant—rarely the most exposed. The motor carrier that hired him, trained him, supervised him, dispatched him, and ignored the warning signs in his record carries the deeper liability.” — Attorney 911
3. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team
Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he fights against them. He knows:
- How adjusters calculate settlement offers (using software like Colossus)
- Which “independent” medical examiners they hire to downplay injuries
- How they manipulate recorded statements to shift blame
- What evidence they routinely destroy (ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance logs)
4. We’ve Handled Some of the Most Complex Trucking Cases in Texas
- $5+ million settlement for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company
- $3.8+ million settlement for a client whose leg was injured in a car accident, leading to a partial amputation due to staff infections
- Multi-million dollar recoveries in trucking-related wrongful death cases across Texas
- Involvement in BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—one of the few firms in Texas to handle cases from the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 180+
“At Attorney 911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation. Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.” — Attorney 911 Case Result
5. We’re Bilingual and Serve Florence’s Hispanic Community
Over 30% of Florence, Texas, residents are Hispanic, and many families prefer to communicate in Spanish. We have Spanish-speaking staff, including Lupe Peña, who can handle your case in English or Spanish—no interpreters needed.
“Para las familias hispanohablantes de Florence, Texas, sabemos que enfrentar el sistema legal después de un accidente catastrófico con un camión de carga puede ser abrumador. Atendemos a las familias en español, desde la primera llamada hasta la última audiencia en el tribunal. El Código de Práctica Civil y Remedios de Texas otorga dos años desde la fecha de la lesión fatal para presentar una demanda por homicidio culposo—el reloj no se detiene mientras la familia está de luto.” — Attorney 911
6. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating from 250+ Reviews
Our clients trust us because we fight for them like family. Here’s what they say:
“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his firm was ran.” — Brian Butchee
“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” — Stephanie Hernandez
“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” — Chelsea Martinez
“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson
What to Do Next: The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
The first 48 hours after a fatal truck crash are the most critical. Evidence disappears fast.
| Evidence Type | How Long It Lasts | What Happens If You Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance footage (gas stations, businesses) | 7–14 days | Auto-deleted, never recoverable |
| Dashcam footage | 7–14 days | Overwritten, lost forever |
| ELD (electronic logging device) data | 30–180 days | Erased, no proof of HOS violations |
| Black box (ECM) data | 30–180 days | Lost, no proof of speed or braking |
| Dispatch records | Carrier-controlled | “Lost” or “incomplete” |
| Cell phone records | Carrier-controlled | Requires subpoena (takes weeks) |
| Maintenance logs | 49 C.F.R. § 396.3 retention | “Missing” or “incomplete” |
| Driver Qualification File | 49 C.F.R. § 391.51 retention | “Lost” or “never existed” |
Step 1: Call Attorney 911 Immediately
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We answer 24/7—no answering service, just real people.
Step 2: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement
The insurance adjuster will call within hours of the crash. Do not speak to them without a lawyer present.
Step 3: Do NOT Sign Anything
The first settlement offer is always a lowball. We will review any offer and tell you if it’s fair.
Step 4: Let Us Handle the Evidence Preservation
We will:
✔ Send a preservation letter to the trucking company, broker, and shipper
✔ Pull the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the carrier
✔ Obtain the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report on the driver
✔ Subpoena ELD and black box data before it’s deleted
✔ Gather surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Step 5: Focus on Your Family
We will handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do I have to file a wrongful-death lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the fatal injury under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. This clock runs whether or not the insurance company is returning your calls.
2. Can I still recover if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes. Texas follows modified comparative negligence (§ 33.001). You can recover as long as your loved one was 50% or less at fault. If they were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
3. What if the truck driver was drunk or on drugs?
If the driver was impaired, the case becomes gross negligence under § 41.003, opening the door to punitive damages (no cap if the crash involved a felony, like intoxication manslaughter).
4. What if the trucking company claims the driver was an “independent contractor”?
Many companies (like Amazon DSP, FedEx Ground, and UPS) try to avoid liability by claiming drivers are independent contractors. We use the ABC Test, Economic Reality Test, and Right-to-Control Test to prove the driver was actually an employee, making the company liable.
5. What if the trucking company says they don’t have insurance?
Most commercial trucks are required to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance under 49 C.F.R. § 387.7. If the truck was hazmat, the minimum is $5 million. We also check for MCS-90 endorsements, which guarantee payment even if the policy would otherwise exclude coverage.
6. What if the crash happened in another county?
We handle cases anywhere in Texas, including:
- Travis County (Austin)
- Williamson County (Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander)
- Bell County (Killeen, Temple)
- Burnet County (Marble Falls, Burnet)
- Lampasas County (Lampasas)
- Milam County (Rockdale)
7. How much does it cost to hire Attorney 911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee—33.33% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win.
“You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.”
8. What if I already have a lawyer but I’m not happy with them?
You can switch lawyers at any time. If your current attorney is:
❌ Not returning your calls
❌ Pushing you to settle too low
❌ Not investigating the trucking company’s records
…then you have options. We can take over your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
9. What if the trucking company says the crash was “unavoidable”?
Trucking companies always say this. We prove otherwise by:
✔ Pulling ELD data to check for HOS violations
✔ Reviewing maintenance logs for brake or tire failures
✔ Analyzing dashcam footage for distracted driving or speeding
✔ Deposing the driver, dispatcher, and safety manager
10. What if the trucking company is out of state?
We handle cases against out-of-state trucking companies all the time. Federal law (49 U.S.C. § 14501) allows us to sue them in Texas courts if they operate here.
Florence, Texas, Truck Accident Resources
Hospitals Near Florence, TX
If your loved one was injured in a truck crash, they may have been taken to:
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple (Level II Trauma Center)
📍 2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX 76508
📞 (254) 724-2111 - St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center (Level III Trauma Center)
📍 2400 Round Rock Ave, Round Rock, TX 78681
📞 (512) 341-1000 - Seton Medical Center Williamson (Level IV Trauma Center)
📍 201 Seton Pkwy, Round Rock, TX 78665
📞 (512) 324-4000
Law Enforcement Agencies
- Florence Police Department
📍 106 S Patterson Ave, Florence, TX 76527
📞 (254) 793-3111 - Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
📍 508 S Rock St, Georgetown, TX 78626
📞 (512) 943-1300 - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Georgetown
📍 1001 N Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
📞 (512) 930-5000
Trucking Company Safety Records
You can check a trucking company’s safety record using:
- FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)
🔗 https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/ - FMCSA Company Snapshot
🔗 https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx
Final Call to Action: Time Is Running Out
The two-year clock under § 16.003 has already started. The evidence the trucking company controls is disappearing every day. The adjuster is calculating you as a settlement risk.
You do not have to fight this alone.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We will:
✔ Tell you exactly what your case is worth
✔ Explain who we can sue (not just the driver)
✔ Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
✔ Fight for the maximum compensation your family deserves
Hablamos Español. No importa su estatus migratorio—usted tiene derechos.
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