18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Refugio County, Texas
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Refugio County, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable for negligence, violations of federal safety regulations, and reckless behavior that leads to catastrophic accidents on Refugio County’s highways.
Why Refugio County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Refugio County’s location along Interstate 35 (I-35) and U.S. Highway 77 makes it a critical corridor for commercial trucking. These highways connect major Texas cities like Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, bringing heavy truck traffic through our communities. Unfortunately, this also means a higher risk of devastating truck crashes.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Refugio County
- Driver fatigue (violations of FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations)
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
- Improper cargo loading (unsecured or overweight loads)
- Brake failures (poor maintenance, worn brake pads)
- Tire blowouts (underinflated or defective tires)
- Speeding (especially on I-35 and Highway 77)
- Drunk or drugged driving (failed drug/alcohol tests)
- Wide-turn collisions (trucks swinging into adjacent lanes)
- Underride accidents (vehicles sliding under trailers)
- Jackknife crashes (trailers swinging out of control)
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, you may have a strong case against the trucking company, driver, or other liable parties.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Refugio County Trucking Accident Case?
1. Decades of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling complex trucking accident cases. We’ve gone up against major carriers like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients.
2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys, including Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize claims. We use this insider knowledge to counter their strategies and fight for maximum compensation.
3. Immediate Evidence Preservation
Trucking companies move fast to destroy evidence. Black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage can be erased within days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
4. Federal Court Experience
We are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may fall under federal jurisdiction.
5. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
6. Spanish-Language Services Available
Many truck drivers and accident victims in Refugio County speak Spanish. Our team includes bilingual attorneys and staff, ensuring clear communication throughout your case.
Common Injuries in Refugio County 18-Wheeler Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds), collisions often result in life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Leading to paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Amputations – Limbs crushed or severed in the crash
- Severe Burns – From fuel tank ruptures or hazardous cargo spills
- Internal Organ Damage – Liver, spleen, or kidney injuries requiring emergency surgery
- Multiple Fractures – Broken bones from the force of impact
- Wrongful Death – When negligence causes fatal crashes
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages, making it crucial to pursue full compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Refugio County Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, multiple parties may share liability in an 18-wheeler crash. We investigate all potential defendants, including:
- The Truck Driver – For negligence (speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment)
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading or hazardous materials
- The Maintenance Company – For failing to inspect or repair critical components
- The Truck Manufacturer – For defective parts (brakes, tires, steering)
- The Freight Broker – For hiring an unsafe carrier
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (poor signage, potholes)
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Refugio County
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and TBI symptoms may not appear right away. Visit a Refugio County hospital or urgent care to document your injuries.
2. Call the Police & File a Report
Texas law requires a police report if there are injuries, fatalities, or vehicles that cannot be driven. This report will be crucial evidence in your case.
3. Document the Scene
- Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage (yours and the truck)
- Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals
- Your injuries
- The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
- Get witness contact information
4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. Do not speak to them without an attorney present.
5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Immediately
The sooner you call us, the faster we can preserve evidence, send spoliation letters, and build your case.
How We Prove Negligence in Refugio County Trucking Cases
To win your case, we must prove that the trucking company or driver violated federal or state safety regulations. We gather evidence such as:
- Black Box/ECM Data – Shows speed, braking, and hours driven
- ELD Logs – Proves Hours of Service (HOS) violations (fatigue)
- Driver Qualification Files – Reveals negligent hiring (bad driving record, no CDL)
- Maintenance Records – Documents deferred repairs (brake failures, tire issues)
- Cell Phone Records – Proves distracted driving (texting, calls)
- Dashcam Footage – Captures the moments leading up to the crash
- Cargo Loading Records – Shows improper securement (shifting loads, spills)
Refugio County’s Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accidents
In Texas, you have only 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a loved one was killed, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim.
Do not wait—contact us today to protect your rights.
Recent Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements
While every case is unique, our firm has secured multi-million-dollar recoveries for trucking accident victims, including:
- $5+ Million – Logging truck accident causing traumatic brain injury
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident leading to amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases
Refugio County’s Trucking Corridors & High-Risk Areas
Refugio County’s highways see heavy truck traffic, increasing the risk of accidents. Some of the most dangerous areas include:
- Interstate 35 (I-35) – A major north-south route connecting Mexico to Canada, carrying heavy freight traffic.
- U.S. Highway 77 – Connects Refugio to Corpus Christi and Victoria, often used by local and long-haul trucks.
- Highway 35/77 Interchange – A high-risk area for rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
- Refugio County Weigh Stations – Where overweight or improperly secured trucks may be stopped.
- Local Distribution Centers – Areas where trucks load/unload cargo, increasing traffic congestion.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a Refugio County trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost Wages & Earning Capacity (if you can’t work)
- Pain & Suffering (physical and emotional distress)
- Property Damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Punitive Damages (if the trucking company acted with gross negligence)
- Wrongful Death Damages (if a loved one was killed)
Contact Our Refugio County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Refugio, Woodsboro, Tivoli, Bayside, or anywhere in Refugio County, call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com
We answer calls 24/7. Hablamos Español.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refugio County Trucking Accidents
1. How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Every case is different, but factors that affect value include:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of negligence (federal violations increase value)
- Available insurance coverage
2. Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims to save money. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
3. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. We investigate all potential defendants.
4. Can I sue if I was partially at fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence—if you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
5. How long will my case take?
- Simple cases: 6-12 months
- Complex cases (severe injuries, disputed liability): 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We explore all available insurance policies, including excess coverage and umbrella policies, to ensure you receive compensation.
7. Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?
Even “minor” truck accidents can lead to hidden injuries (whiplash, TBI, soft tissue damage). A lawyer ensures you receive full compensation for medical bills and future complications.
Refugio County Trucking Accident Resources
- Refugio County Sheriff’s Office – (361) 526-2351
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – www.txdot.gov
- FMCSA Safety Records – safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Refugio County Hospital – (361) 526-2461
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – (361) 575-3311
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Get Away With It
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to protect their interests—not yours. You need a fighter on your side.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first step toward justice.
Time is critical—call now before evidence disappears.
