18-Wheeler Accidents in McLennan County: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in McLennan County, you’re facing one of the most devastating experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and life-altering consequences. At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges of trucking accident cases in McLennan County, and we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why McLennan County Trucking Accidents Are Different

McLennan County sits at the crossroads of major Texas transportation routes, with I-35 running north-south through Waco and connecting to other critical highways like US-84 and SH-6. This strategic location makes our county a hotspot for commercial truck traffic, including:

• Long-haul trucks traveling between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin/San Antonio
• Local distribution trucks serving Waco’s growing economy
• Agricultural transport vehicles moving through rural areas
• Oil and gas industry trucks supporting the Permian Basin operations

The mix of interstate traffic, local roads, and rural highways creates complex driving conditions that contribute to trucking accidents. When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often tragic.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in McLennan County

Our experience handling trucking cases across Texas has shown us that certain types of accidents occur frequently in McLennan County:

1. Rear-End Collisions on I-35

The I-35 corridor through McLennan County is notorious for rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers. These accidents typically occur when:

• Truck drivers follow too closely and can’t stop in time
• Drivers are fatigued from long hours on the road
• Brakes fail due to poor maintenance
• Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch communications) causes delayed reactions

A fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When these massive vehicles strike passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic.

2. Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

McLennan County’s rural roads and highway ramps are particularly dangerous for rollover accidents. These occur when:

• Trucks take curves or ramps at excessive speeds
• Cargo is improperly secured or unevenly distributed
• Liquid cargo “sloshes” and shifts the center of gravity
• Drivers overcorrect after tire blowouts or lane departures

Rollover accidents often lead to secondary crashes as the trailer blocks multiple lanes of traffic.

3. Underride Collisions at Intersections

Underride accidents are among the deadliest trucking accidents, occurring when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. In McLennan County, these often happen at:

• The I-35/US-84 interchange
• Major intersections in Waco
• Rural crossroads where visibility may be limited

Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers, but side underride guards are not mandated, leaving vehicles vulnerable to catastrophic impacts.

4. Jackknife Accidents on I-35 and Local Roads

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These are common in McLennan County when:

• Sudden braking occurs on wet or icy roads
• Drivers take curves too quickly
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers are more prone to swing
• Improper braking techniques are used

5. Tire Blowouts on Long Stretches

McLennan County’s long stretches of highway and extreme Texas heat create ideal conditions for tire blowouts. These dangerous failures happen when:

• Tires are underinflated, causing overheating
• Vehicles are overloaded beyond tire capacity
• Tires are worn or aged beyond safe limits
• Road debris punctures the tire
• Manufacturing defects exist

Why Trucking Companies Must Be Held Accountable

After an 18-wheeler accident in McLennan County, the trucking company and their insurance adjusters will move quickly to protect their interests. They have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize your claim. That’s why you need an experienced McLennan County trucking accident attorney on your side.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how trucking companies cut corners that put lives at risk:

• Fatigued Drivers: Violating hours-of-service regulations to meet tight delivery deadlines
• Poor Maintenance: Deferring critical repairs to save money
• Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers with poor safety records
• Inadequate Training: Not properly training drivers on safety procedures
• Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding weight limits to maximize profits
• Improper Cargo Securement: Failing to properly secure loads, leading to spills and rollovers

The Devastating Injuries We See in McLennan County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car, and the forces involved in a collision are often overwhelming.

Common injuries we see in McLennan County trucking cases include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is violently shaken or struck against the skull. In trucking accidents, this often happens when:

• The head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
• The vehicle is violently jolted
• The brain swells or bleeds internally

TBI symptoms may not appear immediately but can include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

The lifetime cost of caring for a severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis:

• Cervical (neck) injuries: May result in quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Thoracic (upper back) injuries: May result in paraplegia (loss of function in lower body)
• Lumbar (lower back) injuries: May affect leg function but spare upper body

Spinal cord injuries often require:

• Immediate surgery
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Home modifications
• Assistive devices
• Lifetime medical care

The lifetime cost of caring for a spinal cord injury can range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the accident or when medical professionals must surgically remove severely damaged limbs. These life-changing injuries require:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs (costing $5,000-$50,000 each)
• Ongoing prosthetic replacements
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home and vehicle modifications

Severe Burns

Burns occur in trucking accidents when:

• Fuel tanks rupture and ignite
• Hazardous materials spill and catch fire
• Electrical systems malfunction
• Friction creates heat and flames

Burn injuries require:

• Immediate emergency treatment
• Skin graft surgeries
• Long-term wound care
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling for trauma and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

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

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

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

The Evidence That Wins McLennan County Trucking Cases

Winning a trucking accident case requires proving that the trucking company or driver was negligent. At Attorney911, we know exactly what evidence to gather to build a strong case:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data in the moments before a crash
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device): Proves hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
• GPS/Telematics: Shows the truck’s route, speed, and location history
• Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving if the driver was texting or talking
• Dashcam Footage: Provides video evidence of the accident

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Contains the driver’s employment application, background check, and training records
• Driving Record: Shows the driver’s history of violations and accidents
• Medical Certification: Proves whether the driver was medically qualified to operate a CMV
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Shows whether the driver was impaired at the time of the accident

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Proves whether the truck was properly maintained
• Inspection Reports: Shows whether defects were identified and repaired
• Out-of-Service Orders: Documents violations that should have taken the truck off the road
• Tire Records: Proves whether tires were properly maintained and replaced
• Brake Inspection Records: Shows whether brakes were properly adjusted and maintained

Company Records

• Hours of Service Records: Proves whether the company pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations
• Dispatch Records: Shows whether the company created unsafe schedules
• Safety Policies: Documents the company’s safety procedures and training programs
• CSA Scores: Shows the company’s overall safety record
• Previous Accident History: Demonstrates whether the company has a pattern of safety violations

How We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. At Attorney911, we act fast to preserve critical evidence:

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

1. Send Spoliation Letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties, demanding preservation of all evidence
2. Demand Immediate Download of ECM/Black Box and ELD data before it’s overwritten
3. Secure Dashcam Footage before it’s deleted (often within 7-14 days)
4. Preserve the Physical Truck and Trailer before repairs are made
5. Collect Surveillance Video from nearby businesses before it’s overwritten
6. Interview Witnesses before memories fade
7. Photograph the Accident Scene before conditions change

Why This Matters for Your McLennan County Case

If evidence is destroyed after we send a spoliation letter, the court can:

• Instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions against the trucking company
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your McLennan 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 possible defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

2. The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be liable under:

• Respondeat Superior: The company is responsible for the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
• Direct Negligence: The company failed to properly hire, train, or supervise the driver
• Negligent Maintenance: The company failed to properly maintain the vehicle
• Negligent Scheduling: The company pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service regulations

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 loading
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failing to use proper blocking and bracing

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in the vehicle or components
• Manufacturing defects that caused failure
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for defective products.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers 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

8. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

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

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

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

The Insurance Available in McLennan County Trucking Cases

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

The Damages You Can Recover in McLennan County

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
• Life care costs (ongoing care for catastrophic injuries)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage and family relationships)

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Texas law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

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

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your McLennan County Case

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example:

• If you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000
• If you are found 51% at fault, you would recover nothing

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and gather evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.

The McLennan County Legal Process for Trucking Accidents

1. Free Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

• Review the facts of your accident
• Explain your legal rights
• Discuss potential liable parties
• Outline the legal process
• Answer all your questions

2. Investigation

We immediately begin investigating your case by:

• Sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtaining police reports
• Collecting witness statements
• Gathering electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS)
• Securing surveillance video
• Photographing the accident scene
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts

3. Medical Treatment

We help you get the medical care you need by:

• Connecting you with top specialists in McLennan County
• Arranging treatment even if you don’t have insurance
• Documenting your injuries and treatment
• Calculating future medical needs

4. Demand Letter

Once your treatment is complete, we send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company calculating all your damages.

5. Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims.

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial. We have federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and are prepared to take your case all the way to verdict if necessary.

7. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if needed.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your McLennan County Trucking Case

1. Deep Experience with Trucking Accidents

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling 18-wheeler accident cases. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims across Texas.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations.

4. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who required amputation
• $2.5+ million for trucking accident victims
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

5. Local Knowledge of McLennan County

We know McLennan County’s trucking corridors, courts, and juries. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

6. Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. We serve McLennan County’s diverse community with cultural sensitivity.

7. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol has helped win cases for our clients.

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.

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

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in McLennan County, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Your injuries
   • Skid marks and debris
   • Street signs and traffic signals
4. Get Information – Collect:
   • The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • The trucking company’s name and DOT number
   • Witness names and contact information
   • The responding officer’s name and badge number
5. Don’t Give Statements – Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
6. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Common Questions About McLennan County Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. 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 trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• Severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Will my case go to trial?

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

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows comparative negligence rules. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery. Even if a company goes bankrupt, their insurance policies may still provide compensation.

How do I prove the driver was fatigued?

We gather evidence including:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing pressure to meet deadlines
• Driver logs (if paper logs were used)
• Witness statements about the driver’s behavior
• Video evidence from dashcams or surveillance

What if there’s not enough insurance?

We explore all available coverage, including:

• The trucking company’s primary policy
• Umbrella or excess policies
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Other liable parties’ insurance

The Trucking Companies We’ve Fought in McLennan County

At Attorney911, we have experience taking on major commercial entities, including:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Swift Transportation
• Werner Enterprises
• J.B. Hunt Transport
• Schneider National
• Numerous local and regional carriers

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around

After a trucking accident in McLennan County, you’re facing powerful adversaries with teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your claim. They’ll try to:

• Offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand your injuries
• Blame you for the accident
• Delay your claim to pressure you into accepting less
• Destroy or hide evidence
• Use recorded statements against you

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tactics. We act immediately to preserve evidence, investigate thoroughly, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in McLennan County, don’t wait. Every hour that passes, evidence is disappearing. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your call. Our McLennan County trucking accident attorneys work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“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

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.