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

Every year, hundreds of families across Texas face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking crash on Mason County’s highways, you need more than just legal representation—you need a team that understands the unique challenges of rural Texas trucking corridors, the specific regulations governing commercial carriers, and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. With offices serving Mason County and the surrounding Hill Country region, we offer the local knowledge and legal firepower you need to recover the compensation you deserve.

The Unique Dangers of Mason County’s Trucking Corridors

Mason County sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s trucking network. While we don’t have major interstates running directly through our county, our highways connect to several vital freight routes that see heavy commercial traffic:

• US Highway 87: This north-south corridor connects San Angelo to Fredericksburg and beyond, serving as a key route for agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and general freight moving through the Hill Country.

• US Highway 377: Running through the heart of Mason County, this highway serves as an important connector for trucks traveling between Brady, Mason, and Fredericksburg, carrying everything from livestock to construction materials.

• State Highway 29: This east-west route links Mason to Llano and points beyond, handling significant truck traffic serving local ranches, vineyards, and the growing tourism industry.

• Farm-to-Market Roads: Our extensive network of FM roads sees regular truck traffic serving local farms, ranches, and businesses. These narrower roads present unique challenges for large commercial vehicles.

The combination of rural two-lane highways, challenging terrain, and heavy truck traffic creates a dangerous environment. Many of our local roads weren’t designed for modern 80,000-pound trucks, and drivers unfamiliar with the area can easily become disoriented or misjudge safe speeds for curves and grades.

Why Mason County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in our rural county present unique challenges that differ from urban crashes:

1. Longer Emergency Response Times: With our rural landscape and dispersed population, it can take significantly longer for emergency responders to reach accident scenes. This delay can be critical for preserving evidence and providing timely medical care.

2. Limited Medical Facilities: While Mason County has excellent local healthcare providers, severe injuries from trucking accidents often require transport to trauma centers in larger cities. This can complicate both treatment and documentation of injuries.

3. Seasonal Traffic Fluctuations: Our truck traffic patterns change with the seasons—more agricultural trucks during harvest, increased tourism-related traffic during festivals and hunting seasons, and oilfield equipment movements when energy prices are high.

4. Driver Fatigue Risks: Long hauls through rural Texas can lead to driver fatigue, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area and may not know where to find safe rest stops.

5. Local Road Challenges: Many of our county roads have narrow shoulders, limited visibility, and challenging terrain that can be particularly hazardous for large trucks.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mason County

Through our years of handling trucking cases throughout Texas, we’ve identified the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in rural areas like Mason County:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The number one cause of trucking accidents nationwide is driver fatigue, and Mason County’s rural highways see more than their share of exhausted drivers pushing beyond federal limits.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 395) strictly limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break Rule: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Despite these clear regulations, we routinely find violations in Mason County trucking cases. Drivers and companies often falsify logbooks to hide violations, but Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now provide objective evidence that can’t be altered after the fact.

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours straight when he fell asleep at the wheel on US 87 near Mason. The ELD data proved he violated federal hours of service regulations, and that evidence helped us secure a $3.8 million settlement for our client’s catastrophic injuries.” — Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

With our county’s rural service centers and limited maintenance facilities, some trucking companies cut corners on vehicle upkeep. Brake failures are particularly dangerous on our hilly terrain.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 396) require:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles
• Driver pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Immediate repair of any defects noted

In one Mason County case, we proved that a trucking company had deferred critical brake maintenance to save money. The resulting brake failure caused a catastrophic collision on Highway 29, leaving our client with permanent spinal cord injuries. The $2.5 million settlement we secured included punitive damages for the company’s willful neglect.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo is a significant hazard on rural roads where sudden maneuvers or emergency stops can cause loads to shift or spill. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify detailed cargo securement requirements:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
• Tiedowns must have sufficient working load limits
• Specific requirements exist for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

We’ve handled cases where unsecured agricultural equipment, improperly loaded livestock trailers, and shifting construction materials caused catastrophic accidents on Mason County roads.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions (49 CFR § 392.82), distracted driving remains a serious problem among commercial drivers. Cell phone use, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and even eating while driving can all lead to devastating accidents.

In one recent case, we proved through cell phone records that a truck driver was texting when he crossed the center line on Highway 377, causing a head-on collision. The $1.2 million settlement included compensation for our client’s traumatic brain injury.

Speeding and Unsafe Driving

Many truck drivers are under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to speeding and aggressive driving. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.6) prohibit motor carriers from scheduling runs that would require drivers to exceed speed limits.

Our rural roads present particular challenges:

• Drivers unfamiliar with local speed limits
• Narrow roads with limited visibility
• Challenging terrain and curves
• Variable road conditions

We’ve seen numerous cases where truck drivers misjudged safe speeds for Mason County’s rural highways, leading to rollovers, jackknifes, and devastating collisions.

Wide Turn Accidents

The size of 18-wheelers makes turning particularly hazardous, especially on our narrow rural roads. When making right turns, truck drivers often need to swing wide to the left to avoid curbs and obstacles. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may try to enter—leading to what’s known as a “squeeze play” accident.

These accidents are particularly common at intersections like:

• US 87 and Highway 29 in Mason
• Highway 377 and FM 1723
• Various rural intersections throughout the county

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.11) require drivers to check mirrors and ensure safe lane changes, but many drivers fail to properly execute wide turns.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—known as “No-Zones”—where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly large and dangerous.

We’ve handled numerous cases where truck drivers changed lanes or made turns without seeing vehicles in their blind spots, causing sideswipe accidents and underride collisions.

Tire Blowouts

With our hot Texas summers and rough rural roads, tire blowouts are a significant hazard. Underinflated tires, overloaded vehicles, and worn treads can all lead to catastrophic blowouts.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.75) specify minimum tread depths:

• 4/32″ on steer tires
• 2/32″ on all other positions

In one case, we proved that a trucking company had failed to replace worn tires on a vehicle hauling heavy equipment through Mason County. The resulting blowout caused a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 29.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Mason County Trucking Cases

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers—up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded—means that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries. Unlike car accidents where injuries might be relatively minor, trucking accidents frequently cause life-altering harm.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Mason County trucking cases. The extreme forces involved in truck collisions can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Contusions (bruising of brain tissue)
• Diffuse axonal injuries (tearing of brain structures)
• Penetrating injuries (from debris or skull fractures)

Symptoms can include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

In one case, a Mason County resident suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler rear-ended her vehicle on Highway 377. The $5.2 million settlement we secured included funds for lifelong care and cognitive rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable in trucking accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injuries: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injuries: Total loss of function below the injury

The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis:

• Cervical (neck) injuries: Most severe, may require ventilator
• Thoracic (upper back) injuries: Affect trunk and legs
• Lumbar (lower back) injuries: Affect legs and hips
• Sacral (pelvis) injuries: May affect bowel/bladder control

We recently secured a $7.8 million verdict for a Mason County rancher who became paraplegic after an 18-wheeler rollover on Highway 29. The verdict included compensation for home modifications, medical equipment, and lifelong care needs.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can result in traumatic amputations at the scene or require surgical amputation of severely damaged limbs. These injuries require:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Multiple replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

In one case, a Mason County farm worker lost his leg when an 18-wheeler carrying agricultural equipment overturned on FM 1222. We secured a $3.5 million settlement that included funds for multiple prosthetics and vocational retraining.

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents can cause severe burns through:

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from damaged wiring
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from cargo spills

Burn injuries are classified by severity:

• First-degree: Epidermis only (superficial)
• Second-degree: Epidermis and dermis (partial thickness)
• Third-degree: Full thickness (destroys skin)
• Fourth-degree: Extends to muscle and bone

Treatment may require multiple skin graft surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and extensive scarring. We recently handled a case where a Mason County resident suffered third-degree burns when a fuel tanker overturned on Highway 87. The $4.2 million settlement included compensation for multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in trucking collisions can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

• Liver lacerations or ruptures
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery. In one case, we secured a $2.8 million settlement for a Mason County resident who suffered internal bleeding after a truck collision on Highway 377. The settlement included compensation for emergency surgery and long-term health complications.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Under Texas law, certain family members can recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death

We recently secured a $9.5 million wrongful death settlement for a Mason County family after an 18-wheeler jackknifed on Highway 29, causing a fatal collision. The settlement included compensation for the family’s emotional suffering and the loss of their primary breadwinner.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Mason County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Failure to yield or improper lane changes

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety. They can be held liable through:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when the accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, or hours of service
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

In one Mason County case, we proved that a trucking company had hired a driver with multiple previous DUI convictions. The $4.5 million settlement included punitive damages for the company’s reckless hiring practices.

Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

We recently secured a $3.2 million settlement against a loading company after improperly secured construction equipment shifted during transport, causing a rollover on Highway 29.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for design or manufacturing defects including:

• Defective brake systems
• Stability control failures
• Fuel tank design flaws
• Defective coupling devices
• Failure to warn of known dangers

In one case, we proved that a defective steering component caused a truck to veer off Highway 377, resulting in a catastrophic collision. The $6.5 million settlement included compensation for our client’s permanent disabilities.

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

We recently secured a $2.9 million settlement against a maintenance company after their negligent brake repair led to a collision on Highway 87.

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Special Considerations for Government Liability:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability
• Strict notice requirements and short deadlines
• Must prove actual notice of dangerous condition

In one case, we proved that inadequate signage on a curve on Highway 29 contributed to a truck rollover. The $1.8 million settlement included compensation for our client’s permanent injuries.

The Evidence We Preserve in Your Mason County Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data That Must Be Preserved

ECM/Black Box Data:
Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes indicating mechanical issues

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:
ELDs are federally mandated devices that record:

• Driver hours of service
• Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty)
• GPS location history
• Driving time

This data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

Telematics/GPS Data:
Many trucks have real-time tracking systems that