McMullen County Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Families in the Eagle Ford Shale

The impact was catastrophic. On a narrow stretch of SH 16 south of Tilden, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. You were just trying to get home, but an oilfield water truck driver—exhausted after a 14-hour shift—crossed the centerline. In that heartbeat, your life changed forever. We know that McMullen County is the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale, and we also know that the “oil patch” roads like SH 72 and FM 1962 weren’t built for the thousands of heavy trucks that roar through Tilden and Calliham every day. When these giants cause destruction, you don’t just need a lawyer; you need a fighter who knows the specific dangers of trucking in McMullen County.

At Attorney911, led by local veteran Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent more than 25 years taking on the world’s largest trucking and energy corporations. Since 1998, Ralph has made it his mission to ensure that families in McMullen County aren’t pushed around by multi-billion dollar insurance companies. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who brings a unique advantage to your case: he used to work for the insurance companies. Lupe knows the internal playbook they use to minimize payouts for McMullen County accidents. Now, he uses that “insider” knowledge to help us stay three steps ahead.

Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway 16, a frac sand hauler on a lease road, or an Amazon delivery van in a residential area, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in McMullen County disappears fast, and the trucking company has likely already deployed a rapid-response team to the scene. You deserve a team that moves even faster.

Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We handle cases in McMullen County on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Trucking Accidents in McMullen County Are More Dangerous

Trucking in McMullen County presents hazards that most “big city” lawyers don’t understand. This is a rural environment being used as an industrial corridor. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle meets a family sedan on SH 16, the results are rarely minor. We’ve seen how the high volume of crude oil tankers and produced-water trucks creates a meat-grinder effect on local infrastructure.

The Problem with Rural Oilfield Roads

The roads connecting wellsites across McMullen County were originally engineered for ranch traffic and local residents. Today, those same roads, including FM 624 and the surrounding ranch-to-market routes, are carrying a constant convoy of heavy equipment. This creates a “perfect storm” for accidents:

• Narrow Shoulders: Many McMullen County roads have soft or non-existent shoulders, meaning there’s no room for error if an 18-wheeler drifts into your lane.
• Dust and Visibility: On the unpaved lease roads near Tilden, dust clouds from leading trucks can reduce visibility to near zero, leading to devastating rear-end and head-on collisions.
• Extreme Weight: We frequently see trucks in the Eagle Ford Shale vibrating the road surface to the point of failure, creating deep ruts and potholes that can cause a driver to lose control.

The “Golden Hour” Crisis in McMullen County

Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of a truck wreck in McMullen County is the distance to high-level medical care. If you suffer a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury on a remote stretch of SH 72, you are miles away from the nearest Level I trauma center. In these cases, the “Golden Hour”—the first 60 minutes after trauma where life-saving intervention is most effective—is often consumed by response and transport times. We understand that rural victims often face worse outcomes purely because of geography. We factor this into every damage claim we build for McMullen County families, ensuring that the “remoteness” of the accident and the resulting medical complications are fully accounted for in your settlement.

Don’t wait for the insurance company to call you. Protect your rights today by calling 888-ATTY-911.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Unmatched Experience and Insider Knowledge

When you’re up against an oilfield giant like EOG Resources, ConocoPhillips, or a massive carrier like Swift Transportation, you need more than a generic personal injury firm. You need the specific tactical advantage that Ralph Manginello and his team provide.

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Federal and State Court Success

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been a mainstay in Texas courtrooms. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, our founder brings federal-level sophistication to every McMullen County case. The significance of federal court admission cannot be overstated; most interstate trucking companies will try to move your case to federal court to gain a defensive advantage. Ralph is already there, ready to fight.

Our firm’s history includes litigating against Fortune 500 companies in some of the most complex cases in Texas history. From being one of the few firms involved in the multi-billion dollar BP Texas City explosion litigation to securing seven and eight-figure results for catastrophic injuries, we have the resources to go the distance. As client Chad Harris said about our firm, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The Insurance Defense Playbook Exposed

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He was the one insurance companies called to handle high-stakes trucking claims. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to evaluate your McMullen County accident. He knows the software they use to lowball your pain and suffering, and he knows how they attempt to blame you for the crash even when the truck driver was clearly at fault.

Today, Lupe uses that experience to fight for you. This insider perspective gives us an “unfair advantage” in negotiations. When an insurance company tries to use a standard tactic to delay your McMullen County claim, we recognize it immediately and shut it down. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Multi-Million Dollar Results for Real People

We don’t just talk about being tough; we have the track record to prove it. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including:

• $5+ Million for a victim of a traumatic brain injury.
• $3.8+ Million for an amputation case.
• $2.5+ Million for a truck crash recovery.
• $2+ Million for an offshore maritime back injury.

Every case is different, and we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but as client Donald Wilcox shared: “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.” We take the difficult cases that other McMullen County lawyers might walk away from.

Put 25 years of experience in your corner. Call (888) 288-9911 for your free case evaluation.

Oilfield Trucking Accidents in the Eagle Ford Shale

McMullen County is a hub for oil and gas production, which means our roads are unique. The trucks you see in Tilden aren’t just standard delivery vans; they are industrial behemoths. If you’ve been hit by an oilfield vehicle, your case involves layers of regulations that many lawyers miss.

Water Trucks and Tanker Rollovers

Produced water—the salty, chemical-laden byproduct of fracking—must be hauled away in massive tankers. These “water haulers” are a constant presence on SH 16. Because liquid cargo “sloshes” inside the tank, these trucks have a dangerously high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve on a McMullen County backroad too fast, the weight shift can cause a sudden, unrecoverable rollover. We investigate whether the driver was properly trained in liquid load handling and whether the tank was overfilled in violation of safety standards.

Frac Sand Hauler Collisions

During active completions in McMullen County, hundreds of sand trucks descend on a single wellsite. These drivers often work around the clock, incentivized by how many loads they can deliver. This creates a culture of speed and fatigue. Under 49 CFR Part 395, there are strict limits on how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel. We routinely find that sand haulers in the Eagle Ford Shale are falsifying their logs to meet the demands of the oil company. When a fatigued sand truck driver rear-ends you because they couldn’t react in time, we hold the trucking company and the oil operator accountable.

Crew Van and Hot Shot Wrecks

Not every “truck” accident involves an 18-wheeler. We see devastating wrecks involving 15-passenger crew vans and “hot shot” pickup trucks. Crew vans carry an entire team of workers to shifts that often start at 4:00 AM. These vans are notoriously prone to rollovers when fully loaded. Hot shot drivers, often hauling urgent parts to a rig, frequently speed to make deadlines. Because these are commercial vehicles, they are still subject to FMCSA regulations. If you were injured in a crew van accident near Calliham, we investigate both the driver’s company and the staffing agency that provided the workers.

Crude Oil Tanker Spills and HAZMAT Exposure

Crude oil tankers are essentially moving bombs. An accident involving a crude hauler in McMullen County often triggers a HAZMAT emergency. Beyond the physical impact, victims can suffer from chemical burns or toxic vapor inhalation. 49 CFR Part 397 sets specific requirements for hazardous material trucking, and violations of these rules are powerful evidence of negligence.

Injured in the Eagle Ford Shale? We know the oil companies and we know their tactics. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Corporate Fleet Accidents: Walmart, Amazon, and Beyond

While the oilfield dominates McMullen County commerce, we also share the road with the biggest names in retail and logistics. These companies have deeper pockets than traditional trucking firms, but they also fight much harder.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates a massive private fleet that frequently uses McMullen County highways to reach distribution points across South Texas. Unlike many companies that hire contractors, Walmart employs its drivers directly. This means Walmart is directly liable for the driver’s negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior. However, Walmart self-insures for millions of dollars. When you call their claims department, you are talking to Walmart itself. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has litigated against Walmart and knows that they only settle when they are faced with undeniable evidence of their own safety failures.

Amazon Delivery Van Wrecks

Amazon’s blue delivery vans are now everywhere in McMullen County. Amazon uses a complex “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability. They claim the driver doesn’t work for Amazon—they work for a small, independent LLC. We don’t buy that defense. We look at the “Netradyne” cameras Amazon installs in the vans, the “Mentor” app they use to score drivers, and the delivery quotas that force drivers to speed. If Amazon controls the route, the uniform, the equipment, and the schedule, then Amazon is the master of that driver. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Amazon to pierce that contractor shield.

FedEx and UPS Collisions

Whether it’s a FedEx Ground contractor or a UPS union driver, these companies are under extreme delivery pressure, especially during “peak” seasons. UPS drivers are direct employees, making liability straightforward. FedEx Ground, however, uses an “Independent Service Provider” model similar to Amazon’s. If a FedEx truck hit you on SH 16, we investigate the $5 million contingent liability policy that FedEx carries above the contractor’s insurance. We find the money, no matter how many layers of corporate shell companies they use.

Hit by a company truck? Don’t let their lawyers intimidate you. Call Attorney911 at 888-ATTY-911.

The Dangerous Reality of 18-Wheeler Crash Types

Every McMullen County truck wreck has a “mechanical fingerprint” that tells us who was truly at fault. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the physics of your crash.

Jackknife Wrecks on SH 72

A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, folding the truck like a pocketknife. In McMullen County, this often happens during sudden rains when the road surface becomes slick. While the driver might blame the weather, 49 CFR § 392.14 requires drivers to exercise extreme caution or even pull over in hazardous conditions. If the truck driver was speeding through a storm near Tilden and jackknifed across all lanes, that driver—and their company—broke federal law.

The Horror of Underride Collisions

Underride crashes are among the most lethal. This is when your car slides beneath the trailer of a truck during a rear-end or side-impact collision. 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, but these guards are often poorly maintained or inadequately designed to withstand an impact. We investigate whether the trucking company failed to inspect these “Mansfield bars” or if the truck lacked reflective “conspicuity tape,” making the trailer invisible at night.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn Accidents

An 18-wheeler has four massive “No-Zones” where you are invisible to the driver. When a truck driver in McMullen County attempts a lane change without checking these blind spots, they can crush a sedan or send it spinning into oncoming traffic. Similarly, “squeeze play” wide turns at intersections—where a truck swings left before turning right—often trap unsuspecting motorists between the trailer and the curb. We prove that the driver failed their duty to confirm the lane was clear before maneuvering 80,000 pounds of steel.

Brake Failure and Tire Blowouts

A truck traveling at 65 mph needs the length of nearly two football fields to stop. If a trucking company defers maintenance to save costs, the brakes can fail when they are needed most. We subpoena the maintenance records required under 49 CFR Part 396 to see if the company was “pencil-whipping” their inspections. Likewise, many companies use “retread” tires on trailer axles that are prone to explosive blowouts in the Texas heat. As we explain in our video, “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (RCTumr1looc), a blowout isn’t just an “act of God”—it’s often the result of negligent maintenance.

High-speed collisions require high-level legal work. Call (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation.

Proving Negligence: Federal FMCSA Regulations

The backbone of any trucking case in McMullen County is the Code of Federal Regulations. Most lawyers just see a traffic ticket; we see 49 CFR violations. These regulations exist to keep the public safe, and when they are ignored, people die.

Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. We pull the “Driver Qualification File” for every McMullen County case to check for:

• Medical Certificates: Did the driver have a history of seizures, heart problems, or sleep apnea?
• Driving Record: Did the company hire a driver with multiple prior DWIs or serious speeding tickets?
• CDL Verification: Was the driver even licensed for the vehicle they were operating?

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the #1 killer in trucking. Federal law is clear: property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours. In the 24/7 world of the McMullen County oilfield, these rules are treated as suggestions. We analyze the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove the driver was a “zombie” behind the wheel.

Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing

Commercial drivers are held to a much higher standard than the general public. A BAC of .04 is enough for a disqualification. Companies are also required to conduct random testing and post-accident testing. We look for patterns of drug use, especially stimulants like methamphetamines, which are sometimes used by drivers trying to “beat the clock” in the Eagle Ford Shale.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories

From cargo securement to lighting and brakes, this part of the law ensures the truck is mechanically sound. If your accident was caused by an unsecured pipe falling off a flatbed on FM 624, that is a direct violation of Part 393 cargo securement standards. We hold the loading company and the carrier responsible for every pound of unrestrained cargo.

If the trucking company broke the law, they must pay. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

16 Potential Liable Parties in Your McMullen County Case

One reason McMullen County victims recover so much more with Attorney911 is that we don’t settle for suing just the driver. We cast a wide net to find every insurance policy that owes you money. In a single crash, we may identify 16 different liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior and negligent hiring.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the cargo itself was dangerous or poorly described.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly securing the load or overloading.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect like a faulty steering column contributed.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires, brakes, or underride guards.
7. Maintenance Companies: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
8. Freight Brokers: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of crashes.
9. The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to the carrier.
10. Government Entities: If poor road signage or design in McMullen County contributed.
11. Corporate Parent Companies: Holding Amazon or Walmart liable for their subsidiaries.
12. Oilfield Operators: The E&P company that dictated the unsafe schedule.
13. Staffing Agencies: For providing unqualified or unvetted temporary drivers.
14. Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul or Penske for negligent maintenance.
15. Public Transit Agencies: If a regional bus caused the wreck.
16. The Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved (FTCA claims).

More defendants mean more insurance coverage. Let us find them for you: 888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule

In McMullen County, what you do in the first 48 hours after a wreck will determine the value of your case. Trucking companies are notorious for “losing” evidence that proves their guilt.

The ECM Black Box: Your Most Important Witness

Modern 18-wheelers are flying computers. The Engine Control Module (ECM) records your speed, the truck’s speed, when the driver braked, and if they were accelerating at impact. This data can be overwritten in 30 days or by the very next trip the truck takes. We send a “Spoliation Letter” within 24 hours of being hired. This letter is a formal legal “stop-work” order that prevents the trucking company from touching that truck until our experts inspect it.

ELD and Cell Phone Records

We cross-reference the Electronic Logging Device data with the driver’s cell phone records. If the ELD says the driver was “off duty” resting in Calliham, but his cell phone records show he was texting or using social media in Tilden at that exact time, we have caught them in a lie. Falsifying logs isn’t just a fine; it’s evidence of gross negligence that can trigger punitive damages.

McMullen County Traffic Cameras and Dashcams

While McMullen County is rural, many intersections and local businesses have security cameras. Furthermore, most commercial fleets now carry Netradyne or Lytx dashcams. This footage is often on a 7-day loop. If we don’t demand it immediately, the most powerful evidence of the crash—the video—will be erased forever.

Wait one day too long and your evidence could be gone. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Lifetime Cost

A collision with an 18-wheeler isn’t a fender bender; it’s a life-altering event. We treat your injuries with the clinical depth and human compassion they deserve.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can happen even without a direct strike to the head. The sheer violent force of a truck impact causes the brain to whip against the skull. This can result in “Diffuse Axonal Injury”—tearing of the brain’s connective fibers. McMullen County families who have a loved one with TBI face a lifetime of cognitive therapy and personality changes. Settlements for moderate to severe TBI typically range from $1.5M to $9.8M+. Learn more in our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” (GBYAHi5aiEQ).

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When an 80,000-pound truck causes your vehicle to roll, the roof can collapse, crushing the spinal column. Whether it’s paraplegia or quadriplegia, the physical and financial toll is staggering. Lifetime care costs for high tetraplegia can exceed $5 million in the first year alone. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers every wheelchair, every home modification, and every hour of nursing care your family will ever need. Settlements for paralysis often reach $10M to $25M+.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Underride and wide-turn accidents often result in traumatic or surgical amputations. Beyond the initial surgery, a victim faces a lifetime of prosthetic costs—prosthetics that must be replaced every 3-5 years. We’ve recovered between $1.9M and $8.6M for amputation victims by proving the full scope of their hardware and rehabilitation needs.

Wrongful Death in McMullen County

There is no greater tragedy than a funeral for someone killed by a negligent trucking company. Under Texas law, surviving spouses, children, and parents can bring a wrongful death claim. If you’ve lost someone on a McMullen County road, we are deeply sorry for your loss. We fight to secure the financial future of your family, covering lost income, lost companionship, and mental anguish. Wrongful death settlements typically range from $1.9M to $9.5M+.

Your injury is personal. Our fight for you is relentless. Call (888) 288-9911.

Understanding Texas Law for McMullen County Wrecks

Every state has unique rules for injury claims. In Texas, you’re navigating a “modified comparative negligence” system.

The 51% Bar Rule

In McMullen County, you can still recover money even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, if a jury finds that you were more than 50% responsible, you recover $0. The trucking company’s insurance will try to put that 51% on you. They’ll say you were speeding or distracted. Our job is to use the black box data and witness accounts to keep that percentage at zero—or as low as possible—so you receive the maximum settlement.

The Two-Year Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline by even one day, the courts will dismiss your case forever. For accidents involving government-owned vehicles (like a McMullen County school bus or utility truck), the notice period is often even shorter—sometimes as little as 6 months.

The “Eggshell Plaintiff” Doctrine

Texas law protects people with pre-existing conditions. If you had a lingering back issue that was manageable, but the truck wreck made it so severe you now need surgery, the trucking company is 100% responsible for that aggravation. They “take the plaintiff as they find them.” Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you your claim is worth less because of your medical history.

The legal system is complex. Ralph Manginello makes it simple. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions for McMullen County Victims

Q: Who pays my medical bills after a truck wreck in McMullen County?
A: Ultimately, the trucking company’s insurance is responsible. However, they won’t pay your doctors as you go. For now, you can use your own health insurance (which will be reimbursed from the settlement), or we can help you find McMullen-area providers who work on a “Letter of Protection.” This means the doctor treats you now and waits until your case settles to get paid.

Q: Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident near Tilden?
A: Absolutely. PTSD is a medically documented injury. If you can’t drive on SH 16 without a panic attack, or if you’re reliving the crash in nightmares, you deserve compensation. As we discuss in our video (9803X_jnR4A), “mental anguish” is a major part of your non-economic damages.

Q: What if the driver was an “independent contractor” for an oil company?
A: This is the most common defense in the Eagle Ford Shale. The oil company will say the truck driver doesn’t work for them. We use the “Economic Reality Test” to prove that because the oil company controls the schedule, the route, and the wellsite, they are the functional employer. We go after the “deep pockets”—the oil company—not just the small trucking contractor.

Q: How long will my McMullen County truck accident case take?
A: It varies. A simple case with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. A complex case against a corporate fleet with catastrophic injuries can take 18-36 months. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing a single dollar of your claim’s value.

Q: Why don’t I just take the quick settlement offer?
A: Because that first offer is designed to save the insurance company money, not help you heal. It often takes months for the full extent of spinal or brain injuries to manifest. If you sign that release today and find out next month you need a $100,000 surgery, you can never go back and ask for more. Never sign anything without talking to Ralph Manginello first.

Hablamos Español. Consulta gratis las 24 horas. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Power of the “Nuclear Verdict” trend

In recent years, juries have become fed up with trucking companies cutting corners. This has led to “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million.

• In 2021, a Florida jury awarded $1 Billion for a trucking fatality.
• In Texas, the Ramsey v. Landstar case resulted in a $730 Million verdict.
• Wabash National was hit with a $462 Million verdict in 2024 for underride fatalities.

These cases are NOT Attorney911 cases, but they show that the tide is turning. Juries in McMullen County and throughout Texas want safe roads, and they are willing to hold companies accountable for prioritizing profits over human lives. We use this trend as leverage in settlement negotiations, showing insurance companies that if they don’t play fair, we are more than ready to take the fight to a jury of your peers.

Contact McMullen County Truck Accident Specialists Today

If you’ve been hurt on SH 16, SH 72, or any road in the Eagle Ford Shale, you’re at a crossroads. The trucking company has already started their investigation. Their goal is to pay you nothing. Our goal is to make sure they pay for every doctor’s visit, every therapy session, and every day of work you’ve missed.

Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 team don’t back down. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Walmart, Amazon, and the world’s biggest oil companies. We know McMullen County, we know trucking law, and we know how to win.

Your initial consultation is 100% free and strictly confidential. We work on a contingency fee—no win, no fee. One call to 1-888-ATTY-911 can change everything. Call now.

• Toll-Free: 1-888-288-9911
• Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Your First Responder to a Legal Emergency.