Harrison County Truck Accident Lawyer: Protecting Families After 18-Wheeler Crashes
The impact was catastrophic. On the long, pine-lined stretch of I-20 in Harrison County, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your sedan. In an instant, your commute to Marshall, your errands in Hallsville, or your family trip through Waskom changed from a routine afternoon to a life-altering emergency. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or an oilfield truck in Harrison County, you aren’t just dealing with a car wreck; you are dealing with a legal emergency.
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we treat your situation with the urgency it deserves. For over 25 years, since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been taking on the largest trucking companies and winning. We aren’t just another law firm; we are the firm insurance companies fear because our team includes someone who used to be on their side. Associate attorney Lupe Peña brings a unique advantage to your Harrison County case—he used to work for national insurance defense firms. He knows their playbook, he knows their valuation software, and now he fights for you, not them.
Every hour you wait, evidence in your Harrison County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.
Why Trucking Accidents in Harrison County Are Unique
Harrison County is the gateway to East Texas, sitting at the crossroads of some of the busiest commercial corridors in the United States. Between the heavy freight moving on I-20 and the massive industrial growth in the Haynesville Shale, Harrison County roads are sharing space with 80,000-pound missiles 24 hours a day.
The I-20 Corridor through Marshall and Waskom
Interstate 20 is the primary artery for freight moving from the Port of Houston and East Texas toward Shreveport and the broader Southeast. In Harrison County, this stretch of highway is notorious for multi-vehicle pileups involving semi-trucks. The high-speed nature of I-20 combined with heavy 18-wheeler traffic creates a high-risk environment. When a truck driver is fatigued from a long-haul trip or a trucking carrier fails to maintain an 18-wheeler’s brakes, the result on I-20 is often a “nuclear” event.
The Haynesville Shale and Oilfield Truck Traffic
Harrison County sits atop the Haynesville Shale, one of the most productive gas plays in the world. This industrial activity brings specialized hazards to Harrison County farm-to-market (FM) roads. Water trucks hauling 5,400 gallons of produced water, pneumatic sand haulers, and oversized rig-moving convoys frequently navigate roads like FM 31 and FM 449. These roads were never designed for 80,000-pound loads. When an oilfield truck rolls over or a “hot shot” driver speeds to meet a drilling deadline, the consequences for local families are devastating.
Corporate Fleet Saturation
From Amazon delivery vans darting through Marshall neighborhoods to Walmart trucks restocking stores along US-80, corporate fleets are everywhere in Harrison County. These companies, including FedEx and UPS, use complex corporate structures and independent contractor shields to protect their billions in assets. You need a fighter like Ralph Manginello who has successfully litigated against companies like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and BP. We know how to pierce the corporate veil and find the insurance coverage you need to heal.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation in Harrison County. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation. We work on contingency—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
The Attorney911 Advantage: 25+ Years of Courtroom Success
When you hire Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911, you are putting over two decades of trial experience in your corner. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has a proven track record of recovering multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims.
Our firm’s results speak for themselves:
- $5+ Million Recovery for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim.
- $3.8+ Million Recovery for a client who suffered an amputation following a crash.
- $2.5+ Million Recovery specifically for victims of commercial trucking negligence.
- $50+ Million Total Recovered for Texas families since our firm’s inception.
Our clients aren’t just case numbers. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We know that right now, you aren’t thinking about “damages”—you’re thinking about how to pay the bills at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd or how to support your family when you can no longer work. We handle the legal fight so you can focus on your recovery.
The Insider Advantage: We Know the Defense Playbook
One of our firm’s greatest differentiators is associate attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining our side of the courtroom, Lupe Peña worked for the very companies we now sue. He understands the insurance defense advantage from the inside. He knows how they train adjusters to offer “quick lowballs” before the victim realizes they have a herniated disc or a mild TBI. By hiring Attorney911, you are neutralizing the trucking insurance company’s greatest weapon.
Thinking an 18-wheeler is just a big car? Think again. These companies have rapid-response investigators at the scene before the ambulance even leaves Harrison County. You need a firm that moves just as fast. Call 1-888-288-9911 today.
48-Hour Emergency: Why You Must Act Now in Harrison County
In a Harrison County truck wreck, the clock starts the moment of impact. While you are receiving emergency care, the trucking company is already preserving its narrative.
The 30-Day Overwrite Rule
Almost every modern commercial truck in Harrison County is equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM) or “black box.” This device records critical data points: speed at impact, brake application (or lack thereof), steering input, and throttle position. However, these systems often operate on a “loop.” If the truck is put back into service, the data from your accident can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
Our 24-Hour Spoliation Protocol
When we are retained by a Harrison County accident victim, our first action is to send a formal spoliation letter or “litigation hold” to the trucking company, the driver, and the parent corporation (like Amazon or Walmart). This letter legally mandates that they preserve:
- ELD Logs: Electronic Logging Device data that proves hours-of-service violations.
- Driver Qualification Files: Background checks, drug test results, and CDL certifications.
- Maintenance Logs: Proof of when the brakes or tires were last inspected.
- Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing or driver-facing cameras (like Netradyne systems used by Amazon).
Don’t wait. Evidences like skid marks on US-59 can wash away in the next East Texas rainstorm. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 for an attorney who knows Harrison County territory and will fight for every dime you deserve.
Federal Regulations: Proving Negligence in your Harrison County Case
Everything about an 18-wheeler in Harrison County is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Proving that a trucking company broke these laws is how we establish negligence per se.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the silent killer on Harrison County highways. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours behind the wheel. We frequently find that companies pressure drivers to “push through” and falsify their logs to make deliveries in Harrison County. If a driver has been awake for 16 hours and slams into you, they have broken federal law.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are fit for the road. This includes mandatory drug and alcohol testing (Part 382), a valid medical certificate, and a thorough background check. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving to operate in Harrison County, that is negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Safety
Brake failure is a factor in nearly 30% of truck accidents. Under Part 396, carriers must systematically inspect and repair their vehicles. If we find that a truck’s brakes were “out of adjustment” during an inspection in Harrison County, the carrier is liable for every bit of damage caused.
Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Harrison County
Not every truck accident is the same. The physics of an 18-wheeler collision determine the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the legal claim. At Attorney911, we have the technical expertise to handle any scenario.
1. Oilfield Vehicle Accidents (Haynesville Shale)
In Harrison County, oilfield trucking is the most dangerous commercial activity on our roads. This isn’t just standard trucking; it’s a dual-jurisdiction battle involving both FMCSA and OSHA (29 CFR 1910/1926).
- Produced Water Tankers: With a capacity of over 5,000 gallons, the “slosh” effect of liquid moving inside the tank can cause rollovers on narrow Harrison County roads.
- Frac Sand Haulers: These trucks often run 24/7 on tight schedules, leading to extreme driver fatigue.
- Case Strategy: We don’t just sue the trucking contractor; we look at the oil company (the operator) who set the production targets and the staffing agency that provided the unqualified driver.
2. Jackknife and Rollover Wrecks on I-20
A jackknife occurs when a trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. On high-speed corridors like I-20 outside Marshall, this can sweep across three lanes of traffic, trapping everyone in its path. Rollovers are equally deadly, often caused by speeding on the curves of Harrison County’s FM roads or shifting cargo.
3. Underride and Override Collisions
An underride is one of the most fatal scenarios we handle. This is when a car slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These often occur at night on dark Harrison County stretches where reflective tape is missing or the truck has stopped without hazard lights.
4. Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) and Wide Turn Accidents
Many victims are hit when an 18-wheeler makes a wide turn onto US-80 in Harrison County. The truck swings left before turning right, crushing any vehicle in the gap. Similarly, blind spot accidents often occur during lane changes on the interstate.
5. Corporate Delivery Van and Box Truck Crashes
Whether it’s a blue Amazon van or a DHL box truck, these “last-mile” delivery vehicles are saturating Harrison County neighborhoods. These drivers are often under such extreme delivery pressure that they skip breaks and ignore stop signs. Because Amazon uses “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs), they will try to tell you it’s not their fault. Ralph Manginello knows how to defeat this “independent contractor” defense.
6. Vulnerable Road User Accidents: Pedestrians and Cyclists
When an 80,000-pound truck hits a pedestrian or cyclist in Marshall, there is zero protection. These are often “right-hook” accidents where the truck driver fails to check their blind spot before turning. The injuries are almost always catastrophic or fatal.
Whatever type of truck hit you in Harrison County, you have rights. As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us start fighting for you.
Identifying 16 Potentially Liable Parties in Harrison County
Most law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast a wider net. We investigate all 16 potentially liable parties:
- The Driver: For direct negligence (speeding, fatigue, distraction).
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent training.
- The Cargo Owner: If the cargo was improperly disclosed or hazardous.
- The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load (causing shifts/rollovers).
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: For design or manufacturing defects.
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires or brake components.
- Maintenance Companies: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- Freight Brokers: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
- The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment.
- Government Entities: For dangerous road design in Harrison County.
- Corporate Parents (Amazon/Walmart): For setting the dangerous schedules and policies.
- Oilfield Operators: For failing to maintain safe wellsites and lease roads.
- Staffing Companies: For providing unqualified drivers.
- Rental Truck Companies (U-Haul/Penske): For renting “bus-sized” trucks to untrained civilians.
- Transit Agencies: For public bus accidents.
- The Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS or military vehicles.
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He knows exactly who holds the money and how they try to hide it. Put that insider knowledge to work for your Harrison County case: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Catastrophic Injuries and the True Cost of Your Claim
A truck crash doesn’t just “leave a mark.” It shatters your future. We work with medical experts and life-care planners to ensure your settlement covers the rest of your life, not just the next few months.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
($1.5M – $9.8M+ Range)
The force of an 18-wheeler impact snaps the brain against the skull. This causes diffuse axonal injury (DAI), leading to cognitive fog, personality changes, and memory loss. Even a “mild concussion” can have permanent consequences for your career in Harrison County.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
($4.7M – $25.8M+ Range)
Permanent paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) requires 24/7 care, home modifications, and multiple surgeries. Our founder Ralph Manginello has federal court experience and understands how to calculate these multi-million dollar life-long needs accurately.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
($1.9M – $8.6M+ Range)
Losing a limb isn’t just about the surgery; it’s about a lifetime of prosthetics, phantom pain, and loss of dominant-hand function. As client Kiimarii Yup said, her car was a total loss, but “1 year later I have gained so much in return.”
Internal Organ Damage and Severe Burns
Deceleration forces can rupture the spleen or liver, causing internal bleeding that may not show up until days later. Fuel fires on Harrison County highways can cause third- and fourth-degree burns, requiring agonizing skin grafts and leaving permanent scarring.
Your family’s been through enough. Let us handle the trucking company. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911. We offer free consultations, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
Understanding Harrison County Insurance and Damages
In Texas, the rules for your recovery are strict. You need a team that knows the local statutes inside and out.
The 2-Year Clock (Statute of Limitations)
In Harrison County, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. This may sound like a long time, but it takes months to calculate future medical costs and loss of earning capacity. Don’t let the clock run out on your justice.
The 51% Rule (Modified Comparative Negligence)
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages. However, your settlement is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% at fault, you get nothing. The insurance company will spend millions to pin 51% on you. We spend the resources to move that fault back to the negligent trucker.
Insurance Minimums: Why We “Stack” Policies
While Texas cars only require $30K in insurance, federal law requires 18-wheelers to carry between $750,000 and $5 million.
- General Freight: $750,000
- Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000
- Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000
When we sue multiple parties, we are “stacking” these million-dollar policies to ensure you receive full compensation.
What’s your case worth? Only one way to find out. Call (888) 288-9911 for a consultation with Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 team.
Frequently Asked Questions for Harrison County Residents
1. I was just in a wreck with a semi on I-20 in Marshall. Should I call the police?
Absolutely. A police report is the first official document of your accident. Insurance companies find the officer’s determination of fault highly persuasive. Additionally, in Texas, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury, death, or inability to move the vehicle safely.
2. Can I sue Walmart or Amazon directly if their driver hit me?
Yes. If you were hit by a Walmart truck, Walmart is directly liable as the employer. If you were hit by an Amazon van, we pierce the “independent contractor” shield by showing the extreme control Amazon exercises over their drivers’ routes and monitoring. Ralph Manginello has gone head-to-head with corporate giants and won.
3. What if I have a herniated disc from a truck accident and the insurance company says it’s minor?
Insurance companies always call herniated discs “pre-existing” or “minor soft tissue.” But as we know, an 80,000-pound impact snaps the spine with violent speed. A herniated disc can mean a lifetime of pain and surgery. We work with neurosurgeons to prove the crash caused your injury.
4. Who pays my medical bills in Harrison County while my case is pending?
The trucking company won’t pay your bills as they come in; they pay at the very end. In the meantime, we can help you work with providers under a “Letter of Protection” (LOP), so you get the care you need at local Harrison County facilities without paying out-of-pocket today.
5. I lost a loved one in a crash near Waskom. Who can bring a wrongful death claim?
In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased are entitled to bring a wrongful death claim. Compensation includes lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We are deeply sorry for your loss and are here to help your family find security.
6. What if my accident involved an oilfield water truck on a lease road?
Lease road accidents are complex. They involve workplace safety (OSHA) and trucking law (FMCSA). The oil operator who owns the lease may be liable for maintaining dangerous road conditions like dust clouds or unmarked intersections. Attorney Ralph Manginello understands this dual-jurisdiction battle.
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, Client. Other firms said no. We said yes. And we won. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Juries in Texas Award “Nuclear Verdicts”
You may have heard of $50 million or $100 million “nuclear verdicts” in Texas trucking cases. These aren’t random numbers. Juries award these amounts when they find that a trucking company systematically chose profit over lives.
- Ramsey v. Landstar ($730 Million): A Texas jury held the carrier accountable for a fatal oversize-load crash.
- Werner Settlement ($150 Million): For the death of two children on I-30.
At Attorney911, we prepare every case for trial. We don’t just ask for medical bills; we ask for justice. We use the “reptile theory” to show the jury that by allowing this trucking company to ignore safety rules, they have put everyone in Harrison County at risk. That is how we secure the settlements our clients deserve.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis. Accidente de camión en Harrison County? Hablamos su idioma.
Contact the Harrison County Truck Accident Team Today
You were just driving to work in Marshall or taking the kids to school in Longview. Now you can’t work, the pain is constant, and the medical bills are mounting. The trucking company is hoping you don’t know your rights. Let’s change that.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to serve as your “Legal Emergency Lawyers.” We have the 25+ years of experience, the federal court access, and the insurance defense “insider edge” required to win.
Free consultation. Zero upfront costs. 24/7 availability. Your fight starts with one call to Harrison County’s premier trucking litigation firm: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.
Key Evidence We Will Secure for You:
- ECM “Black Box” Data: Speed, braking, and steering.
- ELD Logs: Proving the driver was over their legal hours.
- Netradyne/Dashcam Footage: Seeing exactly what the driver saw.
- Driver Qualification Files: Background and drug test history.
- Dispatch Records: Proving the company forced the driver to speed.
Three Office Locations to Serve You:
- Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
- Austin: 316 West 12th Street
- Beaumont: Available for meetings near the Louisiana border.
Attorney911 because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. Your family, your future, your fight. Let’s get to work.
Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998. He is a Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member and has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. We handle all commercial vehicle accidents including 18-wheelers, delivery vans, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and oilfield traffic in Harrison County and throughout the United States.
Deep Dive into Harrison County Road Hazards
The US-59 and Interstate 69 Tension
US-59, the corridor destined to become I-69, is the backbone of freight moving through Marshall. This road is currently a mix of high-speed stretches and controlled intersections, making it prime territory for T-bone truck accidents and rear-end collisions. Truckers from Mexico heading north often traverse this route, bringing complex cross-border insurance and regulatory questions that Ralph Manginello is uniquely equipped to handle.
Blind Hills and Logging Trucks in East Texas
Harrison County’s timber industry means logging trucks are a constant presence. These trucks carry uncontained 40-foot logs at highway speeds. A “log roll-off” or a trailer detachment is almost never survivable. Because processed timber is inherently unstable, any shift in the load during a turn on a Harrison County FM road can cause an immediate rollover. If you’ve been hit by a logging truck, the loading company and the timber operator may both be liable.
High-Heat Tire Blowouts in Harrison County
Texas summer temperatures can soar above 100°F, turning Harrison County asphalt into a heat trap. For an 18-wheeler, this heat accelerates tire degradation and increases the risk of a catastrophic blowout. Under 49 CFR 393.75, truck tires must have a minimum tread depth. If a trucking company used old or “retreaded” tires to save money, they are liable for the resulting loss of control.
Multi-million dollar verdicts. 25+ years experience. Former insurance defense attorney on staff. Ready to fight for you in Harrison County. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Marshall, Hallsville, and Waskom: Local Representation Matters
You don’t need a lawyer from a billboard in another state who has never set foot in Harrison County. You need a team that knows the local corridors, the local courts, and the local risks.
- Marshall: We know the heavy congestion near the US-80 and US-59 interchange.
- Hallsville: we understand the risks of heavy truck traffic near school zones during shift changes.
- Waskom: We understand the bottleneck effect as I-20 narrows and crosses the Louisiana line.
As seen on Houston’s ABC13, KHOU, and KPRC 2 news stations, the team at Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, is currently litigating some of the most high-profile injury cases in Texas. We bring that same level of “Big City” intensity to our clients in Harrison County.
Why let the trucking company win? Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911. We solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.
Detailed Injury Analysis: Understanding Your Losses
The Reality of “Soft Tissue” Claims in Harrison County
Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you your neck pain is “just whiplash.” In a truck hit, “whiplash” is actually the tearing of ligaments in the cervical spine. It can lead to chronic nerve damage and permanent disability. We treat every injury with the medical seriousness it deserves.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Claims
($500k – $2M+ Range for psychological injury)
If you are afraid to drive on I-20 after your crash, you are not weak; you have a documented medical condition. PTSD and driving anxiety (vehophobia) are legally compensable non-economic damages. We help you find treatment and hold the trucking company responsible for what they did to your peace of mind.
Loss of Earning Capacity vs. Lost Wages
If you were an oilfield worker or a skilled laborer in Harrison County and can no longer lift or stand, you haven’t just lost a few paychecks; you’ve lost your livelihood. We use vocational experts to calculate the difference between what you could have earned and what you can earn now. That difference over 30 years is often worth millions.
Ready to fight back? We’re ready to help Harrison County families. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an attorney who treats you like family, not just another case number.
Summary of the Attorney911 Process for Harrison County Clients
- Initial Call: You speak with our team 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
- Investigation: We deploy experts to Harrison County within 48 hours.
- Preservation: We lock down the black box and ELD data.
- Medical Care: We help you get to the best specialists without out-of-pocket costs.
- Litigation: We file your case in Harrison County or Federal Court.
- Resolution: We fight for a settlement that covers your entire future.
Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of trucking litigation, is your first responder to a legal emergency. From Harrison County to the courtroom—we’ve got you covered. One number to remember: 1-888-ATTY-911. Call now.