18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Goliad County, Texas

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Goliad County, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of trucking cases. Our team at Attorney911 has been fighting for victims of catastrophic truck crashes across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

The Devastating Reality of Goliad County Trucking Accidents

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Goliad County’s highways and rural roads. The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these crashes often result in life-altering injuries or wrongful death. In an instant, your life can change forever – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, or the loss of a family member.

We understand what you’re going through. The physical pain, the emotional trauma, the financial uncertainty – it can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our Goliad County trucking accident attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Goliad County Trucking Cases Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like typical car crashes. They involve complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and trucking companies with teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Goliad County presents unique challenges:

• Rural highways with limited emergency services – Accidents on routes like US-59 or FM 81 can mean longer response times for first responders
• Oil and gas industry trucking – Heavy equipment transport creates additional hazards
• Agricultural freight – Seasonal peaks in truck traffic increase accident risks
• Limited medical facilities – Severe injuries often require transport to Victoria or Corpus Christi for specialized care

Our deep knowledge of Goliad County’s trucking corridors, from the oilfield roads to the agricultural routes, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Trucking Company’s Team Is Already Working Against You

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

1. Protect their interests – not yours
2. Minimize their liability – even if it means blaming you
3. Destroy evidence – before you can access it
4. Offer quick settlements – that don’t cover your long-term needs

They have investigators, lawyers, and insurance adjusters working to build their defense. You need a team that moves just as fast – and fights just as hard – for you.

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we don’t wait to start protecting your rights. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

✅ Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
✅ Demand immediate download of black box/ECM data before it’s overwritten
✅ Secure ELD logs proving hours of service violations
✅ Obtain dashcam footage before it’s deleted
✅ Preserve maintenance records that may show deferred repairs
✅ Collect driver qualification files to prove negligent hiring
✅ Photograph the truck and trailer before repairs or disposal

This evidence disappears quickly. If you wait too long, it may be gone forever – along with your best chance at fair compensation.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Goliad County Trucking Case

Unlike typical car accidents where only one driver is usually at fault, trucking cases often involve multiple responsible parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The truck driver – for negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
2. The trucking company – for vicarious liability and direct negligence
3. The cargo owner – for improper loading instructions or hazmat violations
4. The loading company – for improper cargo securement
5. The truck manufacturer – for design or manufacturing defects
6. The parts manufacturer – for defective components like brakes or tires
7. The maintenance company – for negligent repairs or inspections
8. The freight broker – for negligent carrier selection
9. The truck owner – for negligent entrustment (if different from carrier)
10. Government entities – for dangerous road conditions

Our comprehensive investigation ensures we pursue every available source of compensation for your injuries.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Goliad County

Our experience handling trucking cases across Texas has revealed the most common causes of catastrophic accidents:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Yet we routinely find drivers violating these rules, sometimes driving 14+ hours straight. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving – reaction times slow, judgment is impaired, and drivers fall asleep at the wheel.

Improper Cargo Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable. This leads to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and spilled loads that create highway hazards. We’ve seen cases where improperly secured oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and construction materials have caused catastrophic accidents.

Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Poor maintenance, improper adjustments, and worn brake components can prevent trucks from stopping in time. On Goliad County’s rural roads with limited escape routes, brake failures are especially dangerous.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents each year. Underinflation, overloading, worn treads, and manufacturing defects can all lead to sudden blowouts. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver can lose control completely.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions: cell phones, dispatch communications, GPS devices, eating while driving, and more. Texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction caused your accident.

Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some drivers operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. We demand immediate drug and alcohol testing results after every accident.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks need significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When drivers speed, especially on Goliad County’s rural roads, they create deadly situations. We analyze ECM data to prove excessive speed.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need extra space to make turns. When drivers swing wide before turning right, they create a gap that other vehicles may enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the smaller vehicle. These accidents are especially common in Goliad County’s tight rural intersections.

Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots – 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas along both sides. When drivers fail to check these “No-Zones” before changing lanes, catastrophic accidents occur.

Underride Collisions

One of the deadliest accident types occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries. Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but many trucks lack side guards.

Catastrophic Injuries from Goliad County Trucking Accidents

The forces involved in 18-wheeler crashes cause injuries far more severe than typical car accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe, life-long cognitive impairment. Symptoms may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and permanent disability. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (paralysis below the waist) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs). These injuries require extensive medical care, home modifications, and lifelong assistance. Lifetime costs often exceed $5 million.

Amputations

The crushing forces in truck accidents can sever limbs at the scene or require surgical amputation due to severe damage. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling are often needed. Lifetime costs range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires can cause third- and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation. Burn injuries often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage

The impact forces can cause liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Compensation may include lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and punitive damages.

The Multi-Million Dollar Difference in Trucking Cases

Trucking cases are worth significantly more than typical car accident cases for several reasons:

1. Higher Insurance Limits – Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.

2. Multiple Liable Parties – We pursue every potentially responsible party, from the driver to the trucking company to the cargo owner to the maintenance provider.

3. Federal Regulations – Violations of FMCSA regulations (hours of service, maintenance, driver qualification) provide clear evidence of negligence.

4. Nuclear Verdicts – Juries are awarding record-breaking verdicts against trucking companies. Recent Texas verdicts include:

   • $730 million (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger
   • $150 million (2022) – Werner settlement
   • $37.5 million (2024) – Tarrant County trucking verdict

5. Corporate Defendants – Trucking companies have deep pockets and cannot claim they can’t afford to pay fair compensation.

Our Insider Advantage Against Trucking Companies

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you.

What Lupe learned on the other side:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to lowball victims
• What makes them settle for maximum amounts
• How they minimize payouts
• How they deny legitimate claims
• How their claims software (like Colossus) undervalues pain and suffering

This advantage allows us to anticipate and counter every tactic the trucking company will use against you.

The Goliad County Trucking Corridors We Know

Our team has extensive experience with the trucking routes serving Goliad County:

• US-59 – A major north-south corridor connecting Victoria to Houston, carrying everything from oilfield equipment to agricultural products
• US-87 – Running through the heart of Goliad County, this route sees heavy truck traffic including livestock transport
• FM 81 – Connecting Goliad to Refugio, this rural route has tight turns and limited shoulders that create hazards
• FM 1191 – A critical route for oilfield traffic in the northern part of the county
• FM 239 – Serving the southern part of the county with agricultural and oilfield freight
• I-10 – While not within Goliad County, this major interstate to the north carries transcontinental freight that sometimes diverts through the county

We understand the unique challenges of each route – from the tight turns on rural farm roads to the high-speed traffic on US-59. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Goliad County

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Goliad County, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
3. Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, the accident location, road conditions, and your injuries
4. Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, trucking company, insurance details
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident
6. Preserve evidence – Don’t let the trucking company take the truck or destroy records
7. Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
8. Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send preservation letters within hours

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Goliad County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña’s background gives us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers operate.

Proven Track Record

• $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

4.9-Star Client Rating

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently praise our dedication, communication, and results.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours. We’re available around the clock to start protecting your rights.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation without interpreters.

Client Testimonials from Goliad County and Beyond

“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.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally. Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“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.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

The Attorney911 Difference

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking cases – we specialize in them. While other firms may take any case that walks through the door, we focus on catastrophic injury cases where we can make the biggest difference.

What sets us apart:

• We’re not afraid of big trucking companies – We’ve taken on Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers
• We prepare every case for trial – Insurance companies know we’ll go to court if they don’t offer fair settlements
• We use cutting-edge technology – From accident reconstruction software to advanced medical imaging analysis
• We have a network of experts – Accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, vocational experts
• We offer personal attention – Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we treat you like family

Our Goliad County Trucking Accident Services

When you hire Attorney911, you get a comprehensive legal team working on your behalf:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours
• ECM/black box data downloads
• ELD log preservation
• Dashcam footage recovery
• Physical evidence documentation

Comprehensive Investigation

• Accident reconstruction
• FMCSA regulation compliance review
• Driver qualification file analysis
• Maintenance record examination
• Dispatch and scheduling review
• Drug and alcohol testing results

Medical Coordination

• Coordination with Goliad County medical providers
• Arrangements for specialized care in Victoria or Corpus Christi
• Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
• Future medical cost projections

Aggressive Litigation

• Federal court experience
• Multi-party litigation
• Complex discovery
• Expert witness coordination
• Trial preparation

Maximum Compensation Recovery

• Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
• Punitive damages (for gross negligence)
• Wrongful death claims
• Insurance policy stacking

The True Cost of Your Injuries

Trucking accidents cause damages that extend far beyond immediate medical bills:

Economic Damages

• Emergency room treatment
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries and procedures
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications
• Medical equipment
• Home modifications
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages

When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Goliad County Trucking Accident Case Timeline

While every case is unique, here’s what you can generally expect:

First 48 Hours

• Immediate evidence preservation
• Spoliation letters sent
• Initial investigation begins

First 30 Days

• Comprehensive evidence gathering
• Medical documentation collection
• Liability analysis
• Demand letter preparation

1-6 Months

• Negotiation with insurance companies
• Additional medical treatment
• Case valuation
• Potential settlement discussions

6-18 Months

• Filing of lawsuit if needed
• Discovery process
• Expert witness retention
• Depositions

18-36 Months

• Mediation
• Settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation
• Trial (if necessary)

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation. Some cases settle within months, while complex litigation may take years.

Common Trucking Accident Myths in Goliad County

Myth: “The trucking company will take care of me.”
Reality: Trucking companies and their insurers are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your well-being. They’ll offer quick settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs.

Myth: “I don’t need a lawyer – I can handle the insurance company myself.”
Reality: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Without legal representation, you’re at a significant disadvantage. Studies show accident victims with attorneys receive settlements 3.5 times higher than those without representation.

Myth: “My injuries aren’t that serious – I should just accept the insurance company’s offer.”
Reality: Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Accepting a settlement too soon could leave you without compensation for future medical needs.

Myth: “The truck driver was nice – I shouldn’t sue them.”
Reality: In most cases, you’re suing the trucking company, not the individual driver. The company’s insurance will cover the claim, not the driver’s personal assets.

Myth: “I was partially at fault, so I can’t recover anything.”
Reality: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Myth: “Trucking cases take forever to resolve.”
Reality: While complex cases can take time, many settle within months. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

The Goliad County Advantage

As a local firm with deep roots in Texas, we understand the unique aspects of Goliad County trucking cases:

• We know the courts – Our experience with Goliad County judges and juries gives us insight into local legal preferences
• We understand the community – Goliad County juries value hard work, personal responsibility, and fair play
• We’re familiar with local industries – From oil and gas to agriculture, we understand the trucking patterns that affect your case
• We know the roads – Our experience with Goliad County’s highways and rural routes helps us reconstruct accidents accurately
• We’re part of the community – We’re not just visiting lawyers – we’re your neighbors

Frequently Asked Questions About Goliad County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Goliad County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the truck driver’s information, collect witness details, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do not give statements to insurance adjusters.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Goliad County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and government entities.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum), 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 preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Goliad County uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Our investigation will uncover the truth.

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence:

• ELD logs showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
• Witness statements about driver behavior
• Driver qualification files showing a history of violations

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident. Sending this letter immediately puts the company on notice that destroying evidence will have serious legal consequences.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover from a solvent defendant. Even if the primary trucking company is bankrupt, other parties like the cargo owner or maintenance company may still be liable.

How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What if I was a passenger in the truck?

You may still have a claim against the trucking company, the driver, or other liable parties. Truck occupants can suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents, and you have the right to compensation.

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. We investigate all relationships to identify all potentially liable parties.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazardous material trucking accidents create additional liability and higher insurance limits ($5 million minimum). These cases often involve complex regulations and specialized investigation.

How do I prove the trucking company pressured the driver to violate hours of service?

We subpoena dispatch records, company policies, driver communications, and scheduling documents. Patterns of unrealistic schedules or pressure to meet deadlines can prove corporate negligence.

What if the accident was caused by a defective truck part?

In these cases, we pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer. Defective brakes, tires, steering components, and other parts can cause catastrophic accidents.

Can I recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule – your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long does a trucking accident case take?

Timelines vary. Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation can take 2-4 years. We work to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if the truck driver was under the influence?

Drug or alcohol impairment creates strong evidence of negligence. We demand immediate drug and alcohol testing results and pursue punitive damages when appropriate.

Can I recover if the trucking company claims I signed a waiver?

Many waivers aren’t legally enforceable, especially when they attempt to waive liability for negligence. We review all documents carefully to protect your rights.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Initial offers are almost always lowball amounts that don’t cover your long-term needs. We negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.

How do I prove the trucking company knew about the driver’s poor safety record?

We subpoena the driver qualification file, which should contain the driver’s employment application, driving record, previous employer verification, and accident history. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Goliad County, don’t wait to protect your rights. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working against you.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start protecting your evidence immediately.

Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

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

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.