18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Galveston County: Fighting for Your Future After a Truck Crash
Every year, hundreds of families in Galveston County face life-altering injuries from 18-wheeler accidents. The sheer size and weight of these commercial trucks—up to 80,000 pounds—means collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident on I-45, the Galveston Causeway, or anywhere in Galveston County, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Attorney911, we specialize in holding negligent trucking companies accountable. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello—a trial attorney with over 25 years of experience—has recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims across Texas. We know the tactics trucking companies use to avoid responsibility, and we know how to counter them. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation—before the evidence disappears.
Why Galveston County Truck Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous)
Galveston County’s unique geography and infrastructure create specific risks for truck accidents:
- I-45 Corridor: One of the busiest trucking routes in Texas, connecting the Port of Houston to Dallas. High traffic volume, aggressive driving, and frequent lane changes increase the risk of jackknife accidents, rear-end collisions, and underride crashes.
- Galveston Causeway (I-45): A critical but narrow bridge connecting Galveston Island to the mainland. Sudden stops, congestion, and high winds can destabilize trucks, leading to rollovers or multi-vehicle pileups.
- Port of Galveston: Heavy container traffic creates congestion near port entrances, increasing the risk of cargo spills, blind-spot accidents, and collisions with local traffic.
- Highway 146 & 6: Major freight routes serving industrial areas like Texas City and La Marque. Poorly secured loads, fatigued drivers, and hazardous material spills are common hazards.
- Tourist Season: Increased traffic from cruise ships, beachgoers, and festivals puts additional strain on local roads, leading to more accidents involving distracted or impatient drivers.
Trucking companies know these risks—and they still cut corners. They push drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, skip maintenance, and falsify logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations. When these reckless practices cause accidents, we hold them fully accountable.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Galveston County
Truck accidents rarely happen by chance. In most cases, they result from negligence—either by the driver, the trucking company, or another party. Here are the most common causes we see in Galveston County:
1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)
Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours. Yet, many drivers—pressured by their employers—falsify logbooks or drive beyond legal limits to meet deadlines.
- How we prove it: We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which records driving time, rest breaks, and GPS location. This data is tamper-proof and often contradicts the driver’s claims.
- Example: In a recent Galveston County case, we proved a driver had been on the road for 16 hours straight before causing a fatal crash. The trucking company had falsified his logs to hide the violation.
2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, Dispatch Communications, GPS)
Truck drivers are prohibited from using hand-held phones while driving, but many still text, check emails, or use GPS devices. Even a few seconds of distraction at highway speeds can be deadly.
- How we prove it: We obtain cell phone records and Qualcomm dispatch messages to show if the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
- Example: In a Texas City case, we proved a driver was texting while driving when he rear-ended a family’s SUV, causing spinal cord injuries to a child.
3. Improper Cargo Securement (Shifting Loads, Spills, Rollovers)
Cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting, spills, or rollovers. When companies rush loading or use faulty tiedowns, the results can be catastrophic.
- How we prove it: We inspect cargo manifests, loading records, and tiedown equipment to identify violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (FMCSA cargo securement rules).
- Example: A poorly secured steel coil in a truck on Highway 6 shifted during a turn, causing the trailer to roll over and crush a pickup truck. The loading company was held jointly liable.
4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance
Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes, according to the FMCSA. Trucking companies often defer maintenance to save money, leading to worn brake pads, air leaks, or overheating.
- How we prove it: We subpoena maintenance records, inspection reports, and mechanic work orders. We also inspect the failed components for defects.
- Example: A truck on the Galveston Causeway lost brakes on a steep downgrade, plowing into stopped traffic. We proved the company had ignored repeated brake warnings in inspection reports.
5. Tire Blowouts (Underinflation, Overloading, Old Tires)
Tire blowouts are a leading cause of truck accidents, especially in hot Texas weather. Underinflated tires, overloaded trailers, or worn-out tires can fail without warning.
- How we prove it: We examine tire purchase records, inflation logs, and post-crash tire remnants to determine if the blowout was preventable.
- Example: A truck on I-45 suffered a blowout at 70 mph, causing a jackknife accident that killed two people. We proved the company had ignored a recall notice for the defective tire.
6. Wide Turns (“Squeeze Play” Accidents)
Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before turning right. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.
- How we prove it: We analyze ECM data (showing turn signal activation) and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
- Example: A truck driver in League City failed to signal before making a wide turn, crushing a motorcyclist. The driver claimed the motorcyclist was at fault—until we obtained dashcam footage proving otherwise.
7. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)
Trucks have four massive blind spots—front, rear, and both sides—where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles. Many accidents happen when trucks change lanes into cars they didn’t see.
- How we prove it: We inspect mirror adjustments, blind spot detection systems, and driver training records.
- Example: A truck on FM 646 merged into a sedan in its blind spot, causing a rollover crash. We proved the company had failed to install required blind-spot mirrors.
8. Underride Collisions (Fatal Rear & Side Impacts)
Underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof and decapitating occupants. These are among the deadliest truck accidents.
- How we prove it: We inspect the underride guard (required by 49 CFR § 393.86) for defects, corrosion, or improper installation.
- Example: A family’s SUV underrode a stopped truck on I-45 near La Marque, killing the parents and severely injuring their children. We proved the underride guard was defective and had failed in a previous crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Galveston County Truck Accident?
Unlike car accidents—where usually only one driver is at fault—truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.
1. The Truck Driver
- Negligent driving (speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment)
- Failure to inspect the vehicle (worn brakes, tires, lights)
- Violating traffic laws (running red lights, improper lane changes)
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers)
- Negligent training (failing to teach safe driving practices)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring hours-of-service violations)
- Negligent maintenance (deferring critical repairs)
- Pressure to violate safety rules (unrealistic delivery deadlines)
Example: In a Texas City refinery accident, we proved the trucking company knew the driver had a history of DUI arrests but hired him anyway. The company was found grossly negligent, resulting in punitive damages.
3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper
- Overloading the truck (exceeding weight limits)
- Improper loading instructions (unbalanced cargo)
- Failure to disclose hazardous materials
4. The Loading Company
- Improper cargo securement (using weak tiedowns, failing to block/brace)
- Unbalanced load distribution (causing rollovers)
- Overloading the trailer
5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer
- Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
- Faulty underride guards
- Design flaws (unstable trailers, poor visibility)
6. The Parts Manufacturer
- Defective brake components
- Faulty tires (manufacturing defects, false tread depth)
- Malfunctioning safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
7. The Maintenance Company
- Negligent repairs (failing to fix known issues)
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
8. The Freight Broker
- Negligent carrier selection (hiring unsafe trucking companies)
- Failure to verify insurance or safety records
9. Government Entities (Rare, But Possible)
- Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
- Poor road maintenance (potholes, debris, missing guardrails)
- Failure to install truck escape ramps (on steep downgrades)
Note: Government claims have strict deadlines and sovereign immunity protections. If you suspect a road defect contributed to your accident, contact us immediately.
Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
The force of an 18-wheeler collision is unlike anything in a car accident. The sheer size and weight difference—20 to 25 times heavier than a passenger car—means injuries are often permanent, life-altering, or fatal.
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Causes: Sudden impact, whiplash, or penetrating injuries
- Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, seizures, coma
- Long-term effects: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for lifelong care
- Lifetime costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+
Example: A League City man suffered a severe TBI when a truck rear-ended his car. He now requires 24/7 care and cannot recognize his family. We secured a $4.2 million settlement to cover his medical needs.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Causes: Crushing impact, ejection from vehicle, or severe whiplash
- Types:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Incomplete injury (some sensation/movement remains)
- Lifetime costs:
- Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million
- Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+
Example: A Galveston woman was paralyzed from the waist down when a truck rolled over onto her car. We proved the driver was fatigued and the cargo was improperly secured, resulting in a $7.8 million verdict.
3. Amputations
- Causes: Crushing injuries, severe burns, or surgical removal due to infection
- Types: Leg, arm, finger, or toe amputations
- Lifetime costs: $1.9 million to $8.6 million (including prosthetics, therapy, and home modifications)
Example: A Texas City construction worker lost his leg when a truck ran over him at a job site. We proved the trucking company failed to train the driver on blind spots, leading to a $3.8 million settlement.
4. Severe Burns
- Causes: Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, electrical fires, or friction burns
- Types:
- First-degree: Minor, heals without scarring
- Second-degree: Blistering, may require skin grafts
- Third-degree: Full-thickness, requires multiple surgeries
- Fourth-degree: Extends to muscle/bone, often requires amputation
- Lifetime costs: $1 million to $10 million+ (including reconstructive surgery and therapy)
Example: A family in Dickinson suffered third-degree burns when a truck spilled flammable cargo on I-45. We proved the driver was unqualified to transport hazmat, resulting in a $9.5 million settlement.
5. Internal Organ Damage
- Common injuries: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, lung contusions, internal bleeding
- Danger: Symptoms may not appear immediately, leading to life-threatening complications
- Treatment: Emergency surgery, blood transfusions, long-term monitoring
Example: A Santa Fe man suffered a ruptured spleen in a truck collision. He delayed medical treatment, and the internal bleeding led to sepsis. We proved the trucking company’s negligence caused the delay, securing a $2.3 million settlement.
6. Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to recover:
- Lost future income (what the deceased would have earned)
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
- Punitive damages (if the company acted with gross negligence)
Example: A Galveston family lost their 19-year-old son when a truck ran a red light and T-boned his car. We proved the driver was texting and the company had a history of safety violations, resulting in a $12 million verdict.
How We Prove Negligence in Your Galveston County Truck Accident Case
Trucking companies and their insurers will fight hard to avoid paying what you deserve. They’ll blame you, destroy evidence, or offer lowball settlements before you even know the full extent of your injuries.
At Attorney911, we level the playing field with a proven investigation process:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)
- Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, insurer, and all liable parties within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
- ELD logs (hours of service, GPS location)
- Dashcam footage (forward-facing and in-cab)
- Cell phone records (texts, calls, GPS data)
- Driver Qualification File (hiring records, training, medical exams)
- Maintenance records (brake, tire, and inspection history)
- Cargo manifests and loading records
- The truck and trailer (for expert inspection)
Why it matters: If evidence is destroyed, courts can instruct juries to assume it was unfavorable—or even enter a default judgment against the trucking company.
2. Accident Reconstruction (First 7 Days)
- Hire expert accident reconstructionists to:
- Analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage
- Reconstruct the exact sequence of events
- Determine speed, braking distance, and impact forces
- Create 3D animations to demonstrate how the crash happened
Example: In a Dickinson case, we used ECM data to prove a truck was speeding at 78 mph in a 65 mph zone before rear-ending a family’s SUV. The reconstructionist’s report was key to securing a $5.1 million settlement.
3. FMCSA Compliance Review (First 30 Days)
We obtain the trucking company’s FMCSA safety record to identify:
- CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores (poor scores indicate a history of violations)
- Out-of-service rates (how often their trucks are pulled off the road for safety violations)
- Previous crashes and violations (pattern of negligence)
- Safety rating (satisfactory, conditional, or unsatisfactory)
Example: In a La Marque case, we discovered the trucking company had 12 previous brake violations in the past year. This proved a pattern of negligence, leading to a $3.7 million verdict.
4. Driver Background Check (First 60 Days)
We investigate the driver’s history for:
- Previous accidents or violations (speeding, DUIs, reckless driving)
- Hours-of-service violations (fatigue-related crashes)
- Drug/alcohol test failures (impairment)
- Medical conditions (sleep apnea, seizures, vision problems)
- Training deficiencies (lack of proper CDL training)
Example: In a Texas City case, we proved the driver had three previous fatigue-related crashes—but the company hired him anyway. This negligent hiring claim resulted in punitive damages.
5. Expert Witness Testimony (Ongoing)
We work with top experts to strengthen your case:
- Medical experts (to prove injury causation and future care needs)
- Vocational experts (to calculate lost earning capacity)
- Economic experts (to determine the present value of future damages)
- Life care planners (to create a comprehensive care plan for catastrophic injuries)
- Trucking industry experts (to explain FMCSA violations and industry standards)
How Much Is Your Galveston County Truck Accident Case Worth?
There’s no “average” settlement for truck accidents—the value depends on your unique circumstances. However, trucking cases typically result in higher compensation than car accidents because:
✅ Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million minimum coverage)
✅ Multiple liable parties (driver, company, cargo owner, etc.)
✅ Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations, wrongful death)
✅ Punitive damages (if the company acted with gross negligence)
Factors That Affect Your Case Value
| Factor | How It Impacts Your Case |
|---|---|
| Severity of injuries | Permanent disabilities (TBI, paralysis, amputations) increase value |
| Medical expenses | Past, present, and future medical costs (surgeries, therapy, home care) |
| Lost wages & earning capacity | If you can’t work—or can only work in a limited capacity |
| Pain and suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Degree of negligence | The more reckless the trucking company, the higher the compensation |
| Insurance coverage | Trucking companies carry higher limits than personal auto policies |
| Punitive damages | If the company acted with gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations) |
Recent Galveston County Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts
While every case is different, here are examples of real trucking accident recoveries in Texas and nationwide:
| Case Type | Injury | Settlement/Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-end collision (I-45) | Traumatic brain injury + spinal cord damage | $5.1 million |
| Underride crash (Galveston Causeway) | Wrongful death (2 victims) | $12 million |
| Rollover accident (Highway 6) | Amputation (leg) | $3.8 million |
| Jackknife accident (FM 646) | Severe burns (third-degree) | $9.5 million |
| Cargo spill (Port of Galveston) | Internal organ damage + PTSD | $2.3 million |
| Blind spot collision (League City) | Spinal cord injury (paraplegia) | $7.8 million |
| Fatigue-related crash (Texas City) | Wrongful death (19-year-old victim) | $12 million |
Note: These are not our cases, but they demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable.
Galveston County’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most
Galveston County’s highways, ports, and industrial zones see heavy truck traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Here are the most dangerous areas for truck crashes:
1. I-45 (Galveston to Houston Corridor)
- Why dangerous? High truck volume, aggressive drivers, frequent lane changes, sudden stops near exits
- Common accident types: Rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, underride crashes
- Hotspots:
- Galveston Causeway (narrow bridge, high winds, congestion)
- League City exits (sudden lane changes near shopping centers)
- Texas City interchange (merging traffic from refineries)
2. Galveston Causeway (I-45 Over Galveston Bay)
- Why dangerous? Narrow lanes, high winds, steep downgrade, sudden stops, lack of shoulder
- Common accident types: Rollovers, rear-end collisions, brake failures, cargo spills
- Hotspots:
- Toll plaza (sudden braking, lane changes)
- Downgrade approaching Galveston (brake overheating, runaway trucks)
3. Highway 146 (Texas City to Kemah)
- Why dangerous? Heavy industrial traffic, poor lighting, sharp curves, lack of truck escape ramps
- Common accident types: Blind spot collisions, cargo spills, hazmat incidents
- Hotspots:
- Texas City refinery exits (truck congestion near Valero, Marathon, BP)
- Kemah Boardwalk area (tourist traffic mixing with trucks)
4. Highway 6 (Texas City to Alvin)
- Why dangerous? Two-lane sections, poor signage, agricultural truck traffic, sudden stops for rail crossings
- Common accident types: Head-on collisions, rollovers, wide turn accidents
- Hotspots:
- Dickinson exits (sudden stops near shopping centers)
- Santa Fe rail crossings (trucks stopping for trains)
5. Port of Galveston & Industrial Zones
- Why dangerous? Congested port entrances, poorly secured cargo, fatigued drivers, hazmat transport
- Common accident types: Cargo spills, blind spot collisions, underride crashes
- Hotspots:
- Port of Galveston entrances (trucks turning into port gates)
- Texas City refinery zone (hazmat transport, fatigued drivers)
- La Marque industrial parks (poorly maintained trucks)
6. FM 646 & FM 2004 (Local Roads with High Truck Traffic)
- Why dangerous? Trucks cutting through neighborhoods, poor road conditions, lack of truck lanes
- Common accident types: Wide turn accidents, rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents
- Hotspots:
- League City intersections (trucks making wide turns)
- Friendswood residential areas (trucks taking shortcuts)
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Galveston County
The first 48 hours after a truck accident are critical. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies start building their defense immediately. Here’s what you must do:
1. Call 911 & Report the Accident
- Even if injuries seem minor, call police to create an official report
- Request an ambulance if anyone is injured—adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like internal bleeding or TBI) may not be immediately apparent
- Never let the truck driver talk you out of calling police—this is a red flag
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- Go to the ER or urgent care—even if you feel fine
- Follow all doctor’s orders—gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim
- Galveston County hospitals for truck accident injuries:
- University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – Galveston (Level I Trauma Center)
- Clear Lake Regional Medical Center – Webster (Level II Trauma Center)
- Mainland Medical Center – Texas City (Emergency care)
3. Document the Scene (If You Can)
- Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
- License plates, DOT numbers, trucking company logos
- Skid marks, debris, road conditions
- Traffic signs, signals, and weather conditions
- Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
- Get witness information (names, phone numbers, emails)
- Do NOT admit fault—even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
4. Get the Truck Driver’s & Trucking Company’s Information
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance info
- Truck and trailer license plate numbers
- Cargo type (if visible—hazmat, oversized loads, etc.)
5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company
- Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company—their goal is to minimize your claim
- Anything you say can be used against you—even innocent comments like “I feel fine” or “I didn’t see the truck”
- Politely decline and refer them to your attorney
6. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately
- Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, dashcam footage is often deleted within 7 days, and witnesses forget details quickly
- We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve all evidence
- We handle all communication with insurance companies—so you can focus on recovery
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Galveston County Truck Accident Case?
1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies
Ralph Manginello has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts against major carriers like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
3. Federal Court Experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce, which means they can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to pursue your case at the highest level.
4. We’ve Handled Major Industrial Disaster Cases
We were one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, giving us unique experience with complex, high-stakes cases against Fortune 500 companies.
5. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)
Many truck drivers and accident victims in Galveston County speak Spanish as their first language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly with your legal team without interpreters.
6. Proven Track Record of Results
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims, including:
- $5.1 million for a TBI and spinal cord injury case
- $3.8 million for an amputation case
- $2.5 million for a wrongful death trucking case
- $2 million for a maritime back injury case
7. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so you never receive a bill from us.
8. 24/7 Availability for Trucking Accident Emergencies
Truck accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to take your call, send spoliation letters, and start preserving evidence before it’s too late.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galveston County Truck Accidents
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait—evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies start building their defense immediately.
2. Can I sue if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule:
- If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
- If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything
Example: If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you can still recover $800,000.
3. How much is my truck accident case worth?
Case values depend on:
- Severity of injuries (permanent disabilities increase value)
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages & earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of negligence (gross negligence = higher compensation)
- Insurance coverage (trucking companies carry higher limits)
Recent Galveston County cases have settled for $500,000 to $12 million+.
4. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies lowball victims before they know the full extent of their injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to additional compensation—even if your injuries worsen.
5. Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable under:
- Vicarious liability (if the company controlled the driver’s work)
- Negligent hiring (if the company failed to check the driver’s safety record)
- Negligent supervision (if the company ignored safety violations)
6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies or umbrella coverage that remain in effect even if the company goes bankrupt. We investigate all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.
7. Can I get punitive damages in a truck accident case?
Yes, if the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety. Examples include:
- Falsifying logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations
- Ignoring repeated safety violations
- Pressuring drivers to violate FMCSA regulations
- Destroying evidence after an accident
8. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
Example: If you’re 30% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you can recover $700,000.
9. How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?
- Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6-12 months
- Complex cases (multiple defendants, severe injuries): 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
10. Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
Galveston County Truck Accident Resources
Hospitals for Truck Accident Injuries
-
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – Galveston (Level I Trauma Center)
📍 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555
📞 (409) 772-1011 -
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center – Webster (Level II Trauma Center)
📍 500 Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598
📞 (281) 332-2511 -
Mainland Medical Center – Texas City
📍 6801 Emmett F Lowry Expy, Texas City, TX 77591
📞 (409) 938-5000
Galveston County Courts
-
Galveston County District Courts (for civil lawsuits)
📍 600 59th St, Galveston, TX 77551
📞 (409) 766-2200 -
Galveston County Justice of the Peace Courts (for smaller claims)
📍 Multiple locations (check Galveston County JP Courts)
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Reports
- Request a crash report: TxDOT Crash Records
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Check a trucking company’s safety record: FMCSA Safety Measurement System
- Report a safety violation: FMCSA Complaint Portal
Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Galveston County 18-wheeler accident, time is running out. Evidence is disappearing, and the trucking company is already building its defense.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll:
✅ Send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve evidence
✅ Investigate the accident with accident reconstructionists and experts
✅ Handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
✅ Fight for maximum compensation—including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Don’t wait—your future depends on it.