18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Friendswood, Texas

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

Every year, thousands of families across Texas experience the devastating aftermath of 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Friendswood, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique complexities of commercial vehicle litigation and has the resources to fight the trucking industry’s powerful legal teams.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across 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. We know the Friendswood area’s trucking corridors, from I-45 to the Port of Houston freight routes, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Friendswood Trucking Accidents Are Different

Friendswood sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking routes, with I-45 running through the heart of the region and connecting to the massive freight operations at the Port of Houston. The Friendswood area sees heavy commercial traffic from:

I-45 corridor – One of Texas’s busiest north-south freight routes
Port of Houston operations – Container trucks transporting goods to and from the nation’s largest port
Local distribution centers – Warehouses serving the greater Houston metro area
Oil and gas industry – Specialized tankers and equipment haulers

This high volume of commercial traffic means Friendswood residents face elevated risks from fatigued drivers, improperly maintained trucks, and companies cutting corners to meet delivery deadlines.

The Catastrophic Consequences of Friendswood Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic:

Traumatic brain injuries – The force of impact can cause severe head trauma, even without direct impact
Spinal cord injuries – Paralysis, including paraplegia and quadriplegia, is common in trucking accidents
Amputations – Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs
Severe burns – Fuel tank ruptures can cause devastating fires
Wrongful death – Tragically, many trucking accidents prove fatal

These injuries change lives in an instant, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, lost income, and permanent disabilities. The trucking companies responsible for these accidents have teams of lawyers working immediately to protect their interests—you need someone protecting yours.

How Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their goals are clear:

Protect their driver – Coaching the driver on what to say (and what not to say)
Preserve their interests – Downloading black box data to support their version of events
Minimize your claim – Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand your rights

This is why you need to call Attorney911 immediately. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. We move just as fast to preserve evidence and build your case.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for Friendswood Trucking Accident Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We take action within hours to:

Send formal preservation letters to the trucking company
Demand immediate download of black box and ELD data
Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
Preserve the physical truck and trailer for inspection
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

This aggressive approach has helped us secure millions for Friendswood trucking accident victims.

2. Deep Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations

Federal trucking regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) establish strict safety standards. Common violations we find in Friendswood trucking accidents include:

Hours of Service violations – Drivers exceeding 11-hour driving limits
False log entries – Falsifying ELD records to hide fatigue
Brake system deficiencies – Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
Cargo securement failures – Improperly loaded or secured cargo
Unqualified drivers – Operating without proper CDL or medical certification

Our team knows these regulations inside and out, and we know how to use violations to prove negligence.

3. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered substantial compensation for trucking accident victims, including:

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

These results demonstrate our ability to fight and win against major trucking companies.

4. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies evaluate claims
What makes them settle for maximum amounts
How they minimize payouts to victims
The tactics they use to deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation.

5. Local Knowledge of Friendswood Courts and Trucking Corridors

We know the Friendswood area’s unique trucking challenges:

I-45 congestion – Heavy truck traffic creates accident risks
Port of Houston operations – Container trucks and specialized haulers
Local distribution centers – Warehouse traffic patterns
Friendswood court system – We understand local judges, procedures, and juries

This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our Friendswood clients.

Common Types of Friendswood Trucking Accidents

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These accidents often occur on Friendswood’s highways when:

Drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads
Empty or lightly loaded trailers lose traction
Brake systems fail or are improperly maintained
Drivers take curves too quickly

Underride Collisions

These horrific accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Friendswood sees both:

Rear underride – When a truck stops suddenly and a vehicle slides underneath
Side underride – When a truck turns across traffic and a vehicle impacts the side

Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many trucks still lack adequate protection, and there’s no federal requirement for side guards.

Rollover Accidents

Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to rollovers, especially on Friendswood’s highway ramps and curves. Common causes include:

Speeding on curves or ramps
Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
Liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity
Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures

Tire Blowouts

Friendswood’s extreme heat and heavy truck traffic create conditions for tire failures. Blowouts can cause:

Sudden loss of control
Debris striking other vehicles
Multi-vehicle pileups
Resulting rollover or jackknife accidents

Brake Failures

Brake problems cause 29% of truck accidents. In Friendswood, we frequently see:

Worn brake pads not replaced
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Overheated brakes on long descents
Deferred maintenance to save costs

Cargo Spills and Shifts

Improperly secured cargo creates multiple hazards:

Cargo shift – Loads moving during transit destabilize the truck
Cargo spill – Debris falling onto roadways causing secondary accidents
Hazmat spills – Chemical releases creating additional dangers

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Friendswood Trucking Accident?

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The truck driver – For negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
The trucking company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
The cargo owner/shipper – For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
The loading company – For improper cargo securement
Truck/trailer manufacturers – For defective design or manufacturing
Parts manufacturers – For defective components like brakes or tires
Maintenance companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
Freight brokers – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers

Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

What to Do After a Friendswood Trucking Accident

At the Scene

If you’re able, take these critical steps:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Skid marks and debris
- Your injuries
Get information – Collect:
- Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Witness names and contact information
Avoid statements – Don’t apologize or admit fault
Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Following Days

Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t appear immediately
Follow your doctor’s orders – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
Document everything – Keep records of:
- Medical visits and treatments
- Pain levels and symptoms
- Time missed from work
- How injuries affect your daily life
Don’t speak to insurance adjusters – Refer all calls to your attorney
Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Friendswood Trucking Accident Case?

1. Proven Track Record

25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
$50+ million recovered for Texas families
Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Federal court admission – U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas

2. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence before it disappears:

Black box data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD records – May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
Maintenance records – Companies may destroy old records
Physical evidence – Trucks may be repaired or sold

3. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows:

How adjusters are trained to minimize claims
What makes insurance companies settle for maximum amounts
The tactics they use to deny legitimate claims
How to counter their strategies

4. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Accident reconstruction – Using experts to determine exactly what happened
Black box analysis – Extracting and interpreting critical data
Driver qualification review – Checking for negligent hiring
Maintenance record examination – Identifying deferred repairs
Cargo securement analysis – Proving improper loading
Hours of service review – Documenting fatigue violations

5. Local Knowledge and Commitment

As Friendswood attorneys, we understand:

The local court system and judges
The unique trucking challenges in the area
The community’s values and expectations
The importance of holding local companies accountable

Frequently Asked Questions About Friendswood Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Friendswood?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Friendswood?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation if you were less than 50% responsible. We gather evidence to prove the truck driver’s negligence.

How much is my Friendswood trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

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

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases: 6-12 months
Complex cases: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Initial offers are almost always lowball attempts to minimize your claim. We evaluate all offers against the full value of your case.

Can I sue if a family member was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims when negligence causes a fatal accident. You may recover compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, cargo owners, maintenance companies, and others. Even if the primary company is insolvent, other defendants may have insurance coverage.

Common FMCSA Violations in Friendswood Trucking Accidents

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations establish strict safety standards for commercial vehicles. Common violations we find in Friendswood trucking accidents include:

Hours of Service Violations

11-Hour Driving Limit – Drivers exceeding 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Duty Window – Drivers operating beyond 14 consecutive hours on duty
30-Minute Break Rule – Drivers failing to take required 30-minute breaks
60/70-Hour Weekly Limits – Drivers exceeding weekly driving limits
False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records

Driver Qualification Violations

Unqualified Drivers – Operating without proper CDL or medical certification
Incomplete Driver Qualification Files – Missing employment applications, background checks, or training records
Failed Drug/Alcohol Tests – Operating under the influence

Vehicle Maintenance Violations

Brake System Deficiencies – Worn, improperly adjusted, or malfunctioning brakes
Tire Violations – Worn or improperly inflated tires
Lighting Violations – Non-functioning lights or reflectors
Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip or post-trip inspections

Cargo Securement Violations

Inadequate Tiedowns – Insufficient number or strength of tiedowns
Improper Loading – Uneven distribution or overloading
Failure to Re-inspect – Not checking cargo during transit

Operational Violations

Speeding – Exceeding posted speed limits
Following Too Closely – Tailgating other vehicles
Distracted Driving – Using mobile phones or other devices while driving
Fatigued Driving – Operating while too tired to drive safely

The Attorney911 Process for Friendswood Trucking Accident Cases

1. Immediate Response

We answer your call 24/7
We dispatch investigators to the scene if possible
We send preservation letters within 24-48 hours

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Obtain police accident reports
Secure black box and ELD data
Interview witnesses
Photograph the scene and vehicles
Consult accident reconstruction experts

3. Medical Coordination

Connect you with top medical providers
Ensure proper documentation of injuries
Develop comprehensive treatment plans

4. Liability Determination

Identify all potentially liable parties
Analyze FMCSA violations
Build case for negligence

5. Damage Assessment

Calculate economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
Assess non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
Project future care needs

6. Negotiation

Present demand to insurance companies
Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
Prepare for litigation if necessary

7. Litigation (If Needed)

File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
Prepare for trial
Present your case to jury if settlement isn’t reached

What Our Friendswood Clients Say

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them. They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing. She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
— Chavodrian Miles, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.”
— AMAZIAH A.T., Attorney911 Client

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Friendswood, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company’s legal team is already working to protect their interests—you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We offer:

24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
Free case evaluation – No obligation, no pressure
No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
Aggressive representation – We fight for maximum compensation

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.