18-Wheeler Accidents in Lampasas County: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Lampasas County, you’re facing one of the most complex and devastating experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks—up to 80,000 pounds—means that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, life-altering disabilities, or even wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Lampasas County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Lampasas County’s unique geographic position creates distinct trucking accident risks. Our county sits at the crossroads of several major transportation corridors:

US Highway 183/281 – This north-south route connects Lampasas to major cities and carries significant commercial traffic
State Highway 190 – A critical east-west corridor serving local distribution needs
Proximity to I-35 – One of the nation’s busiest NAFTA corridors, just east of Lampasas County
Local distribution centers – Serving the growing business community in Lampasas and surrounding areas

These roads see a constant flow of commercial traffic, including:

Long-haul trucks traveling between major Texas cities
Local delivery vehicles serving Lampasas businesses
Agricultural trucks transporting livestock and produce
Oilfield equipment carriers serving the Permian Basin

The mix of local and through traffic, combined with Lampasas County’s rural roads and occasional challenging weather conditions, creates unique accident risks that require specialized legal knowledge.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year in Texas, thousands of families are forever changed by trucking accidents. The statistics are sobering:

5,100+ fatalities annually in large truck crashes nationwide
125,000+ injuries requiring medical attention
76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
1 in 8 traffic fatalities involves a large truck

In Lampasas County, these accidents often occur on our highways and rural roads, where high speeds, fatigue, and equipment failures combine to create deadly situations.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Lampasas County

Our experience handling Lampasas County trucking cases has shown us that certain accident types occur with alarming frequency:

1. Jackknife Accidents
These terrifying crashes happen when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On Lampasas County’s highways, jackknifes frequently occur during sudden braking or when drivers take curves too quickly.

2. Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific type of truck accident, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, resulting in catastrophic head and neck injuries or decapitation. These are particularly common at intersections and on rural roads where visibility may be limited.

3. Rollover Accidents
The high center of gravity on 18-wheelers makes them prone to rollovers, especially on curves or when cargo shifts. Lampasas County’s mix of straight highways and winding rural roads creates ideal conditions for these devastating crashes.

4. Rear-End Collisions
With stopping distances up to 525 feet at highway speeds, trucks often rear-end vehicles that stop suddenly. These accidents are common at intersections and in congested areas of Lampasas.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before completing a right turn. Other vehicles may try to pass on the right, only to be crushed as the truck completes its turn. These accidents frequently occur at Lampasas intersections and business entrances.

6. Tire Blowouts
Lampasas County’s heat and long stretches of highway contribute to tire failures. Blowouts can cause drivers to lose control, leading to single-vehicle crashes or multi-vehicle pileups.

7. Brake Failures
Poorly maintained brakes are a leading cause of trucking accidents. On Lampasas County’s hilly terrain and long descents, brake failures can have catastrophic consequences.

8. Fatigue-Related Crashes
Hours of service violations are rampant in the trucking industry. Drivers pushing beyond legal limits fall asleep at the wheel, particularly on long stretches of US 183/281.

9. Cargo Spills
Improperly secured loads can shift or spill, creating road hazards. In Lampasas County, agricultural and construction loads are particularly prone to securement failures.

The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Lampasas County

Our investigations reveal that most Lampasas County trucking accidents are preventable and result from:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue, but trucking companies routinely pressure drivers to exceed these limits. In Lampasas County, we frequently see:

Drivers exceeding the 11-hour daily driving limit
False log entries to conceal violations
Inadequate rest breaks
Dispatchers pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of Service of Drivers

2. Distracted Driving

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major issue. Common distractions we see in Lampasas County cases include:

Texting while driving
Using GPS devices
Eating or drinking
Adjusting entertainment systems
Dispatch communications

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.82 – Using a hand-held mobile telephone

3. Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies often cut corners on maintenance to save money. In Lampasas County, we frequently find:

Worn brake pads and shoes
Improper brake adjustments
Bald or underinflated tires
Faulty lighting systems
Defective coupling devices

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

4. Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

Cargo securement failures are particularly common in Lampasas County due to our agricultural and construction industries. We often see:

Overweight loads exceeding legal limits
Inadequate tiedowns
Improper load distribution
Unsecured tarps allowing cargo to shift
Hazardous materials not properly contained

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo Securement

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. In Lampasas County, we frequently see:

Excessive speed for conditions
Following too closely
Aggressive lane changes
Failure to yield right-of-way
Running red lights or stop signs

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speed and Space

6. Driver Inexperience or Poor Training

Many trucking companies hire inexperienced drivers and provide inadequate training. In Lampasas County cases, we often find:

Drivers with minimal experience
Inadequate training on local road conditions
Poor understanding of cargo securement
Insufficient emergency maneuver training

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 391 – Qualifications of Drivers

7. Drug and Alcohol Use

Despite strict regulations, substance abuse remains a problem in the trucking industry. We frequently encounter:

Drivers operating under the influence
Positive drug test results
Refusal to submit to testing
Prescription medication misuse

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.4 – Ill or Fatigued Operator

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Lampasas County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The average passenger car weighs about 4,000 pounds—an 80,000-pound truck is 20 times heavier. This weight disparity means the forces involved in trucking accidents are extreme.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. The violent forces of a collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:

Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, confusion, memory problems
Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI: Permanent disability, coma, or vegetative state

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of function

Lifetime care costs:

Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

The crushing forces of trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of severely damaged limbs. Victims face:

Multiple surgeries
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological trauma
Permanent disability

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, electrical fires, and chemical spills can cause horrific burns:

First-degree: Superficial damage
Second-degree: Partial thickness, often requiring skin grafts
Third-degree: Full thickness, permanent scarring
Fourth-degree: Damage to muscle and bone

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause severe internal injuries:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding
Bowel perforations

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. In Lampasas County, we’ve helped families recover compensation for:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering of the deceased
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Is Liable in Your Lampasas County Trucking Accident?

One of the most important differences between car accidents and trucking accidents is that MULTIPLE parties can be held liable in trucking cases. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, GPS, etc.)
Fatigued driving (hours of service violations)
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper inspections
Traffic law violations

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

Negligent Hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic schedules

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight ratings
Using inadequate tiedowns
Failing to train loaders properly

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers can be liable for design or manufacturing defects:

Brake system failures
Steering component defects
Tire defects
Coupling device failures
Safety system malfunctions

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components can be liable for:

Defective brake parts
Faulty tires
Defective lighting systems
Malfunctioning safety equipment

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify safety issues
Using substandard parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Failure to verify carrier insurance
Selecting carriers with poor safety records

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

Negligent entrustment
Failure to maintain owned equipment
Knowledge of driver unfitness

10. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain roads
Inadequate signage
Improper work zone setup

The Critical Evidence in Your Lampasas County Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. At Attorney911, we move fast to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost forever.

Electronic Data (Must Be Preserved Immediately!)

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Records: Proves hours of service violations and fatigue
GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and location history
Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident
Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
Dispatch Records: Shows schedule pressure and communications

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, training records
Driving Record: History of violations and accidents
Medical Certification: Physical qualification records
Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
Hours of Service Records: ELD logs and supporting documents

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records: Inspection and repair history
Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations and repairs
Tire Records: Purchase, rotation, and replacement history
Brake Records: Adjustment and replacement history

Company Records

Safety Policies: Written safety procedures and protocols
Training Materials: Driver and employee training programs
Dispatch Logs: Trip records and scheduling
CSA Scores: Carrier’s safety rating and violation history
Insurance Policies: Coverage limits and terms

Physical Evidence

The Truck and Trailer: Must be preserved for inspection
Failed Components: Tires, brakes, steering parts
Cargo and Securement Devices: Load documentation and securement equipment
Photographs: Accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries

Why You Need a Lampasas County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

The trucking industry has rapid-response teams that spring into action within hours of an accident. Their goal is to protect the trucking company’s interests, not yours. Here’s what happens if you don’t act quickly:

What the Trucking Company Does After an Accident

Within Minutes: Dispatch rapid-response team to the scene
Within Hours: Download and analyze black box data
Within 24 Hours: Interview witnesses and take statements
Within 48 Hours: Prepare initial accident report favoring their position
Within 72 Hours: Begin settlement negotiations with lowball offers

What You Should Do (And What We Do for You)

Immediately: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
Within 24 Hours: We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Within 48 Hours: We begin our independent investigation
Within 72 Hours: We obtain police reports and witness statements
Within 1 Week: We have experts analyzing black box and ELD data

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different

At Attorney911, we’re not just any law firm—we’re trucking accident specialists with unique advantages:

1. 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.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate and minimize claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. These legal notices demand that all evidence be preserved and can result in serious consequences if evidence is destroyed.

5. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in our investigations:

Accident reconstruction experts
FMCSA regulation specialists
Medical experts
Vocational experts
Economic experts
Life care planners

6. Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered $50+ million for our clients, including:

$5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
$3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case
$2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
Millions for families in wrongful death cases

7. Lampasas County Knowledge

We know Lampasas County’s roads, courts, and trucking corridors. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

8. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

The Legal Process: What to Expect in Your Lampasas County Case

1. Free Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll review:

The accident details
Your injuries and treatment
Potential liable parties
Insurance coverage available

2. Investigation

Our immediate investigation includes:

Sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtaining police reports and witness statements
Downloading black box and ELD data
Inspecting the accident scene
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts

3. Medical Treatment

We help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles.

4. Demand Letter

Once your treatment is complete, we send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance companies detailing:

Liability facts
Your injuries and treatment
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Future care needs

5. Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. Our goal is to reach a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries.

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court.

7. Trial

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we take your case to trial. We have the resources and experience to present a compelling case to a jury.

Common Questions About Lampasas County Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
Document the scene with photos and video
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Lampasas County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies—often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more. This allows for larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases: 6-12 months
Moderate cases: 12-24 months
Complex cases: 2-4 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 contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Funeral expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering of the deceased
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence to prove fatigue:

ELD data showing hours of service violations
Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
Cell phone records showing late-night driving
Witness statements about driver behavior
Video evidence of erratic driving

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy may still provide coverage. We investigate all potential sources of recovery.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

Lampasas County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights – 850 W Central Texas Expy, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple – 2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX 76508
Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock – 300 University Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

Lampasas County Courts

Lampasas County Courthouse – 409 S Pecan St, Lampasas, TX 76550
27th District Court – Serves Lampasas County for civil cases
County Court at Law – Handles smaller civil cases

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

TxDOT Lampasas District Office – 1001 N Key Ave, Lampasas, TX 76550
Crash Reports: TxDOT Crash Reports

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Carrier Safety Records: FMCSA Safer System
Insurance Requirements: FMCSA Insurance

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: TxDPS Commercial Vehicle

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lampasas County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence in your case. Our Lampasas County trucking accident attorneys work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

At Attorney911, we’re not just lawyers—we’re your advocates, your fighters, and your path to justice. Let us put our 25+ years of experience to work for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your case starts with one call.