Freestone County Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide
The impact was catastrophic. You were driving on I-45 through Freestone County, perhaps near Fairfield or heading toward the Teague exit, when 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, your car—which weighs barely 4,000 pounds—was crushed by a machine twenty times its size. When an 18-wheeler or a commercial delivery truck changes your life forever in Freestone County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter.
At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the largest trucking companies and corporate fleets in America. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, bringing federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and a proven track record of multi-million dollar recoveries. We understand that a truck accident in Freestone County isn’t just another traffic claim; it’s a legal emergency that requires immediate, aggressive action.
Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook. He knows how they hide evidence and how they calculate their lowball offers. We use that insider knowledge to give our Freestone County clients an unfair advantage. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. The trucking company’s rapid-response team was likely at the scene before the ambulance even reached the Fairfield hospital. You need your own team.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.
Why Trucking Accidents in Freestone County are Different
Freestone County sits directly on the primary artery of Texas commerce: Interstate 45. This corridor, connecting Houston and Dallas, is one of the most heavily trafficked trucking routes in the United States. Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers, Walmart transport rigs, Amazon delivery vans, and industrial oilfield trucks barrel through Fairfield, Teague, and Wortham.
Because of the massive weight disparity and the high speeds maintained on I-45, truck accidents in Freestone County rarely result in “minor” injuries. We see traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations that require lifetime care. Ralph Manginello has recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we understand the physics of these crashes and the federal regulations that govern them.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis in Freestone County
If you were hit by a truck in Freestone County, the clock is ticking against you. While you are focusing on your recovery, the trucking company is already working to limit its liability. Critical evidence in these cases can disappear in as little as 30 days.
- Black Box (ECM) Data: Most modern trucks traveling through Freestone County are equipped with Engine Control Modules. This “black box” records speed, braking, and throttle position. If the truck remains in service, this data can be overwritten in 30 days.
- ELD Logs: Electronic Logging Devices track the driver’s hours of service. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, these records only have to be kept for six months, but they can be “lost” much sooner if not legally preserved.
- Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets like Amazon and Walmart use DriveCam or Netradyne systems. This footage proof of driver distraction or fatigue is often deleted on a 7-to-14-day loop.
We send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to legally force the preservation of this evidence. We’ve seen what happens when families wait too long; the trucking company inevitably claims the data was “accidentally” cleared. Ralph Manginello doesn’t let that happen to our Freestone County clients.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Common Truck Accident Types on Freestone County Roads
The way an accident happens in Freestone County determines who is liable and what evidence we must secure. We categorize these crashes based on the mechanics of the impact.
Jackknife Accidents on I-45
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. On the high-speed stretches of I-45 in Freestone County, a jackknifing truck can sweep across three lanes of traffic, creating a multi-vehicle pileup. These are often caused by improper braking on wet roads or 49 CFR § 393.48 violations involving poorly maintained brake systems.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most lethal type of crash we see in Freestone County, an underride happens when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer sits at windshield level, the results are often decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. We investigate whether the truck had functional Mansfield bars (rear impact guards) as required by 49 CFR § 393.86.
Rear-End Impact and Stopping Distance
An 80,000-pound truck traveling 70 mph on I-45 needs approximately 525 feet to stop—the length of nearly two football fields. When a distracted or fatigued driver fails to see traffic slowing down near the Fairfield exits, they strike cars with the force of a small explosion.
Blind Spot and “No-Zone” Crashes
Trucks have massive blind spots on both sides, the rear, and directly in front. In Freestone County, many accidents occur when a trucker merges into a smaller vehicle they “didn’t see.” Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must have mirrors providing a clear view, but driver inattention is the most common cause of these sideswipes.
Wide Turn “Squeeze” Play
If you’ve ever driven through downtown Fairfield or Teague, you know that 18-wheelers require significant space to turn. A wide turn accident happens when a truck swings left to make a right turn, trapping a passenger vehicle between the trailer and the curb. This is a classic case of driver negligence in failing to check mirrors.
Tire Blowouts and Retread Failures
A blowout on a steering tire at highway speeds causes an immediate loss of control. We frequently see debris from “road gators” (retread remnants) causing secondary accidents in Freestone County. We investigate 49 CFR § 393.75 violations to see if the trucking company was running on dangerously worn tires to save money.
Corporate Fleet and Oilfield Accidents in Freestone County
Freestone County is a hub for more than just 18-wheelers. We handle cases involving the specific commercial vehicles that dominate our local economy.
Walmart and Amazon Delivery Accidents
With I-45 serving as the main pipe for e-commerce between Houston and Dallas, branded corporate trucks are everywhere. Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world, and they employ aggressive legal teams to protect their self-insured retention. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability, claiming the driver isn’t their employee. We know how to pierce that shield by proving Amazon’s control over the route, the schedule, and the vehicle.
Oilfield Trucking: The Industrial Hazard
While Freestone County isn’t the Permian Basin, we still see significant oil and gas activity, including water haulers and equipment transport. Oilfield trucks are often operated by fatigued drivers working 14-hour shifts. These cases often involve a dual-jurisdiction overlap of FMCSA trucking laws and OSHA worksite regulations. We hold the oil company, the trucking contractor, and the lease operator accountable.
Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles
Loaded dump trucks in Freestone County can weigh 60,000 pounds. They are often operated by small contractors with poor maintenance records. If a dump truck’s unsecured load of gravel shattered your windshield or caused you to swerve and crash, the construction company and the hauling company are both on the hook.
Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul/Penske)
These are among the most dangerous vehicles because the driver likely has zero commercial training. They aren’t required to have a CDL, yet they are operating a 26,000-pound box truck through Fairfield traffic. We investigate whether the rental company was negligent in renting to an obviously unqualified or impaired driver.
Learn more in our guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Who is Liable for Your Freestone County Truck Accident?
Most lawyers only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we go deeper. We identify every source of insurance coverage to maximize your recovery. In a typical Freestone County 18-wheeler case, there may be as many as 16 liable parties.
- The Driver: For direct negligence, speeding, or 49 CFR Part 392 violations.
- The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, they are responsible for their employee’s actions.
- The Cargo Owner: If the load was hazardous or improperly disclosed.
- The Loading Company: 49 CFR § 393.100 requires proper cargo securement. An unbalanced load causes rollovers.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect in the brakes or steering caused the crash.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires or failed coupling devices.
- The Maintenance Company: Many fleets outsource repairs. If they signed off on a faulty brake system, they are liable for negligent maintenance.
- The Freight Broker: If they hired a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Truck Owner: In many owner-operator setups, the person who owns the title has a duty to ensure the vehicle is safe.
- The Government Entity: If road design or a poorly marked construction zone on I-45 contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent (Amazon/Walmart): We pierce the contractor defense to find the deep pockets.
- Oilfield Operator: If the accident happened on a lease road or entering a wellsite.
- Staffing Agency: If they provided an unqualified driver with a history of DUIs or crashes.
- Rental Company: For negligent entrustment of a heavy vehicle.
- Transit Agency: If your accident involved a regional bus.
- Federal Government: If a USPS mail truck or military vehicle was involved.
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 tough cases that other firms reject because we know how to find the liability that others miss.
We fight for every dime you deserve. Call (888) 288-9911 for a free case evaluation.
Proving Negligence through FMCSA Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the law for all trucks in Freestone County. We use these regulations to prove the company was negligent per se.
Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This must include their 3-year driving history, road test certificate, and a current medical examiner’s certificate. If a company put a driver on Freestone County roads with a history of reckless driving, they are liable for negligent hiring.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is the most common violation. A driver is limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty. Fatigued drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers. Since December 2017, the ELD mandate has made it harder to “cook the books,” but we still find companies pressuring drivers to bypass these safety rules.
Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing
Drivers must pass a drug test before they are hired and are subject to random testing. If a driver caused your accident while under the influence of amphetamines or alcohol, the company’s failure to monitor their fleet is a massive liability.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Every truck entering Freestone County must have a post-trip inspection report from the day before. If a driver noted a “soft brake pedal” and the company did nothing, that is evidence of conscious indifference to safety.
Learn more about insurance requirements in “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their Value in Freestone County
When an 18-wheeler hits you, the medical bills alone can reach six figures in the first week. We calculate the full value of your life, not just the bills you have today.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even a “mild” concussion can lead to permanent cognitive deficits. Settlements for moderate to severe TBI cases we handle typically range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Paralysis changes everything. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic can exceed $25 million. Settlement ranges often fall between $4.7 million and $25.8 million.
- Amputations: Losing a limb in a crush accident requires prosthetics, multiple surgeries, and intensive rehab. Recoveries range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a family member, we pursue loss of consortium, lost future earnings, and mental anguish. Recoveries for families often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.
We understand the trauma you are facing. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your family’s future with the respect it deserves while fighting for every dime.
Your family deserves justice. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for compassionate, aggressive help.
Frequently Asked Questions for Freestone County Victims
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Freestone County?
Under Texas law, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Documents are destroyed, and the trucking company’s insurance team is already building their case. We recommend calling us within 48 hours.
The insurance adjuster offered me a settlement today. Should I take it?
Absolutely not. Insurance companies for major fleets like Walmart or FedEx offer “quick cash” to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. A herniated disc or TBI may take months to fully diagnose. Once you settle, you can never go back for more.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-45?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar). As long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Lupe Peña’s defense background is critical here; he knows how to counter the “blame the victim” strategy insurance companies always use.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Zero upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. We advance all costs of the investigation and expert witnesses. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Whether it’s an Amazon DSP or an owner-operator with a carrier logo on their door, companies exercise enough control over these drivers that they can still be held liable under “ostensible agency” or “right-to-control” tests.
What if my accident involved a FedEx Ground truck?
FedEx Ground cases are unique because the drivers work for independent service providers. However, FedEx carries a $5 million contingent policy that we can often access for catastrophic injuries. We know how to navigate these complex corporate layers.
Why should I choose Attorney911 over a big billboard firm?
Many of those huge firms are “settlement mills” that push cases through as fast as possible to keep their volume high. At Attorney911, Ralph Manginello is personally involved. You aren’t a number; you’re a neighbor in Freestone County who needs a fighter.
Damages: What Can You Actually Recover?
In Freestone County, we pursue three types of damages for our clients:
- Economic Damages: This includes your medical bills (past and future), lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. We hire economists to calculate how much income you will lose over the next thirty years if you can no longer do your job.
- Non-Economic Damages: This covers your pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are “invisible” injuries that our former insurance defense attorney knows how to prove to a jury.
- Punitive Damages: If the trucking company acted with gross negligence—such as knowingly allowing a driver with multiple DUIs to operate an 80,000-pound rig—we ask the jury to punish them.
Learn more in our video: “What Is fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU.
Fighting for Fairfield, Teague, and All of Freestone County
Whether your accident happened on the main highway, near the Freestone County Fairgrounds, or on a rural road outside Wortham, our commitment is the same. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City refinery litigation, and we have the resources to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to be fair.
Insurance companies fear firms that actually go to trial. Because Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and prepares every case as if it will be heard by a jury, we negotiate from a position of absolute strength.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Don’t let a corporate giant push you around. Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you what your life is worth. You’ve been through enough; let us take the weight of the legal battle off your shoulders. At Attorney911, we treat you like family, but we fight like the “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” we are.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Available 24/7. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Providing Powerful & Proven Representation for Freestone County Truck Accident Victims.
Houston Main Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Direct Phone: (713) 528-9070
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
Website: https://attorney911.com
As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” Let us start fighting for you today in Freestone County.
