18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Goliad County, Texas | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. Your sedan against an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler on Goliad County’s highways. In that moment, everything changed. The pain. The medical bills. The uncertainty about your future. And the trucking company’s team of lawyers already working to protect their interests, not yours.

You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texans face the aftermath of 18-wheeler accidents on our roads. But when it happens in Goliad County, you need more than just any attorney – you need Goliad County trucking accident specialists who know our roads, our courts, and how to fight the trucking companies that put profits over people.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. And our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize your claim – because he used to be one of them.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Goliad County – from the highways around Goliad to the rural roads near Berclair – call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The evidence in your case is disappearing every hour, and the trucking company is already building their defense.

Why Goliad County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Goliad County’s trucking corridors present unique challenges for accident victims. From the heavy truck traffic on US-59 to the oil field vehicles on FM 81, our roads see a constant flow of commercial vehicles. And when accidents happen here, you need attorneys who understand:

The specific trucking routes that serve Goliad County’s oil and gas industry
The local courts where your case will be heard
The insurance companies that cover Goliad County trucking operations
The unique weather conditions that affect our roads
The medical facilities where you’ll receive treatment

We know Goliad County’s highways because we’ve handled trucking cases throughout the region. We understand the challenges of proving liability when accidents occur on rural roads with limited witnesses. And we know how to fight the trucking companies that operate in our community.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal:

An 80,000-pound truck carries 20-25 times the kinetic energy of your car
At 65 mph, that truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
The force of impact can crush vehicles, eject occupants, and cause life-altering injuries

In Goliad County, we see these types of devastating accidents all too often:

Jackknife Accidents on Goliad County Roads

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it becomes an unstoppable barrier sweeping across multiple lanes. These accidents often occur on US-59 when drivers brake suddenly or take curves too fast, especially in wet conditions.

Underride Collisions – The Most Deadly Trucking Accidents

When your vehicle slides underneath a trailer, the top of your car is sheared off at windshield level. Goliad County has seen too many of these fatal accidents at intersections and when trucks stop suddenly on our highways.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Roads

Top-heavy trucks can tip over when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts. These accidents often spill debris across the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions on Goliad County Highways

When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to brake in time, the massive weight disparity means passenger vehicles often become crushed between the truck and other objects.

Wide Turn Accidents in Goliad County

Trucks making right turns often swing wide to the left first, creating dangerous gaps that smaller vehicles try to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the smaller vehicle.

Why Trucking Companies Are So Dangerous

The trucking industry operates on thin margins and tight schedules. This creates systemic pressures that lead to dangerous practices:

Fatigue: Drivers push beyond federal hours-of-service limits to meet delivery deadlines
Maintenance Deferral: Companies delay brake repairs, tire replacements, and other maintenance to save money
Training Gaps: New drivers receive inadequate training on safety procedures
Safety Culture Failures: Companies prioritize on-time delivery over safety compliance
Record Falsification: Drivers falsify logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who saw these practices firsthand. He knows exactly how trucking companies cut corners and how to expose them in court.

The Evidence That Wins Your Case – And How It Disappears

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears faster than you might think. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR)

Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data
Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with new driving events
Proves whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or was driving erratically

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service
Prove whether the driver violated federal rest requirements
Data may be retained for only 6 months

Dashcam Footage

Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras
Often deleted within 7-14 days
Can show driver distraction, fatigue, or other negligent behavior

Maintenance Records

Show whether the truck was properly maintained
Can reveal deferred repairs and known defects
Companies may “lose” records after receiving notice of a claim

Driver Qualification Files

Contain employment applications, driving records, and training documentation
Can prove negligent hiring practices
Companies may claim files were “misplaced”

At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve this evidence. Within hours of being retained, we send formal preservation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in serious consequences.

How We Prove the Trucking Company’s Negligence

Building a strong 18-wheeler accident case requires a comprehensive investigation and deep understanding of federal trucking regulations. We use a systematic approach to prove liability:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand preservation of all electronic data
Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed

2. FMCSA Regulation Analysis

We examine whether the trucking company violated federal regulations, including:

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395): Proving driver fatigue
Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391): Proving negligent hiring
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396): Proving deferred repairs
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393): Proving improper loading

3. Accident Reconstruction

Retain expert engineers to analyze the crash dynamics
Examine skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions
Create computer simulations of the accident sequence

4. Corporate Investigation

Obtain the trucking company’s safety records
Review their hiring, training, and supervision practices
Examine their maintenance and inspection protocols

5. Insurance Coverage Analysis

Identify all available insurance policies
Determine policy limits and coverage exclusions
Explore excess and umbrella coverage

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Goliad County Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering. The massive size and weight disparity means these crashes frequently result in:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Caused by impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield
Can result in permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes
Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Can cause paraplegia (paralysis below the waist) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
May require lifelong medical care and home modifications
Lifetime costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million

Amputations

Often result from crushing injuries or entrapment
Require prosthetic limbs and extensive rehabilitation
Can prevent victims from returning to their previous employment

Severe Burns

Caused by fuel tank ruptures, electrical fires, or chemical spills
Require multiple skin graft surgeries and cause permanent scarring
Can result in disfigurement and psychological trauma

Wrongful Death

When a loved one is killed in a trucking accident, we help families pursue justice
Available damages include lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses
In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be available

Who We Hold Accountable in Goliad County Trucking Accidents

In car accident cases, liability is usually straightforward. But 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against:

The Truck Driver

For speeding, distracted driving, or other negligent acts
For violating federal hours-of-service regulations
For failing to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

For negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
For inadequate training and supervision
For pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations
For failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

For providing improper loading instructions
For failing to disclose hazardous cargo
For requiring overweight or improperly secured loads

The Loading Company

For improper cargo securement
For unbalanced load distribution
For exceeding weight limits

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

For defective brake systems
For faulty tires that cause blowouts
For defective steering or safety systems

Maintenance Companies

For negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
For using substandard or incorrect parts
For returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
For failing to verify carrier insurance and authority
For choosing the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

In Goliad County, we often see cases involving oil field trucking companies, agricultural haulers, and long-haul carriers passing through on US-59. Our experience with these types of companies gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims across Texas. While every case is unique, our results demonstrate our ability to hold trucking companies accountable:

$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 trucking-related wrongful death cases

These results reflect our commitment to fighting for maximum compensation for our clients. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which creates leverage in settlement negotiations and often leads to better results for our clients.

Why Goliad County Families Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that will fight for you like family. Here’s why Goliad County families choose us:

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

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

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 claims, minimize payouts, and deny legitimate injuries. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for handling interstate trucking cases that often fall under federal jurisdiction.

Spanish Language Services

Goliad County has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and many truck drivers in our region are bilingual. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers who can communicate directly with clients and witnesses without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Proven Track Record of Results

With over $50 million recovered for our clients and a 4.9-star rating from more than 250 Google reviews, our results speak for themselves. We’ve helped hundreds of Texas families rebuild their lives after catastrophic accidents.

Personal Attention You Won’t Get at Big Firms

At many large firms, your case might be handled by paralegals or junior associates. At Attorney911, you get direct access to our attorneys. Ralph Manginello personally oversees every case, and our clients often tell us they feel like family, not just case numbers.

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 steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, get checked out at Goliad County Memorial Hospital or another local medical facility
Adrenaline can mask serious injuries that may not show symptoms for hours or days
Medical records create crucial evidence for your case

2. Call the Police and File a Report

A police report creates an official record of the accident
The report will document the scene, witness statements, and the officer’s determination of fault
In Goliad County, you can request a copy of the report from the Goliad County Sheriff’s Office

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of all vehicle damage, including the truck and your vehicle
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and any skid marks
Get the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and the trucking company’s name
Collect contact information from witnesses

4. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Companies

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you quickly
They will record your statement and use it to minimize your claim
Politely decline to give any statements and refer them to your attorney

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
We can send preservation letters to protect critical data
The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

The Goliad County Trucking Corridors We Know All Too Well

Goliad County’s location along major transportation routes means we see trucking accidents on:

US-59: The primary north-south corridor through Goliad County, connecting Victoria to Houston and beyond. Heavy truck traffic from oil field operations and long-haul carriers.
US-183: Running through the western part of the county, this highway sees agricultural and oil field truck traffic.
FM 81: Connecting Goliad to Refugio, this route carries significant oil field equipment traffic.
FM 1191: Serving the eastern part of the county, with truck traffic from local industries.
FM 239: Connecting Goliad to Berclair, this rural route sees agricultural and oil field traffic.

Our knowledge of these routes and the types of trucking operations that use them gives us an advantage in investigating accidents and proving liability.

The Insurance Companies We Fight in Goliad County

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies. In Goliad County, we frequently deal with:

Progressive Commercial
Travelers Insurance
Liberty Mutual
Zurich Insurance
Great West Casualty
National Indemnity (Berkshire Hathaway)
Old Republic Insurance

These companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need your own team fighting for you.

How Much Is Your Goliad County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Every case is unique, and the value depends on many factors:

Economic Damages

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Home modifications and assistive devices
Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages

Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or recklessness
Designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct

In Texas, there is no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are limited to the greater of:

Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000), or
$200,000

Our experience with Goliad County trucking accident cases allows us to accurately value your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

The Legal Process for Your Goliad County Trucking Accident Case

Understanding what to expect can help reduce the stress of the legal process:

1. Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
Explain your legal rights and options
Answer all your questions about the process

2. Case Investigation

Send preservation letters to protect evidence
Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
Collect medical records and bills
Interview witnesses
Retain accident reconstruction experts

3. Demand Package

Prepare a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company
Document all your damages with supporting evidence
Demand fair compensation for your injuries

4. Negotiation

Engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company
Counter their lowball offers with evidence of your damages
Be prepared to file a lawsuit if they refuse to offer fair compensation

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

File a lawsuit in the appropriate Goliad County court
Conduct discovery to obtain additional evidence
Take depositions of the truck driver, company representatives, and experts
Prepare for trial while continuing settlement negotiations

6. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to court
Our goal is to maximize your compensation, whether through settlement or verdict

Common Questions About Goliad County 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

How much insurance coverage is available in trucking accident cases?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage for commercial trucks:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many trucking companies carry higher limits, often $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike typical car accidents with much lower policy limits.

What if the trucking company goes out of business?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy should still cover valid claims. We investigate all available coverage, including excess and umbrella policies, to ensure you can recover the compensation you deserve.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Texas law allows you to recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $70,000.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate the relationship between the driver and the company to determine all potentially responsible parties.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Every case is different. Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. More complex cases with severe injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get the medical treatment you need. Many doctors will treat accident victims on a lien basis, meaning they’ll get paid from your settlement. We have relationships with medical providers throughout Goliad County who understand how to work with accident victims.

Can I sue for pain and suffering?

Yes. Pain and suffering are considered “non-economic damages” and are compensable in Texas. There is no formula for calculating pain and suffering – it’s based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and other factors. Our experience with Goliad County trucking accident cases allows us to effectively present your pain and suffering to insurance companies and juries.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for Goliad County Families

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a law firm – you’re gaining a team that will fight for you like family. Here’s what sets us apart:

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients often tell us they feel like family, not just case numbers. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident takes on your family, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

We Know Goliad County

We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Goliad County attorneys. We know the roads, the courts, and the community. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

We Have Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims. He knows their tactics because he used to be one of them. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

We Prepare Every Case for Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and often leads to better results for our clients. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

We Offer Spanish Language Services

Goliad County has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and we’re proud to serve our community in both English and Spanish. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish and can communicate directly with clients and witnesses without interpreters.

We Have a Proven Track Record

What Our Goliad County Clients Say About Us

“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

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

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

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Goliad County 18-Wheeler Accident, Call Us Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense.

Don’t let them win. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case.

Remember:

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
We offer free consultations with no obligation
We’re available 24/7 to take your call
We know Goliad County and how to fight trucking companies here
We have a former insurance defense attorney on our team
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims

The trucking company has lawyers working for them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit our website at https://attorney911.com.

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

You’re not alone. We’re here to fight for you.