Refugio County Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The impact was catastrophic. On US Highway 77 just outside of Refugio, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle without warning. In an instant, your world stopped. Whether you were traveling through Woodsboro or Bayside, or commuting along the busy US-183 corridor, a trucking accident in Refugio County changes everything. The physical pain is overwhelming, the medical bills are growing, and the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling, trying to get you to settle for pennies.

We know what you’re up against. At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent more than 25 years taking on the largest trucking corporations in America and winning. Our team doesn’t just handle cases; we handle emergencies. We understand that when an 18-wheeler or a heavy oilfield truck hits you in Refugio County, you aren’t just looking for a settlement—you’re looking for justice and the resources to rebuild your life. With a track record of recovering over $50 million for Texas families, our founder brings federal court admission and a fighter’s mentality to every claim.

If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Every hour matters for your recovery and your legal rights. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why You Need a Refugio County Truck Accident Specialist

Choosing the right attorney for an 18-wheeler crash in Refugio County is a decision that affects the rest of your life. Trucking cases are not the same as standard car accidents. They involve complex federal regulations, massive insurance policies, and corporate defendants with unlimited resources to fight your claim.

Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, has represented accident victims since 1998. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants like BP and Walmart. When you hire us, you’re getting a team that includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work for national insurance defense firms. Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies; he knows their playbook, their valuation software, and exactly how they try to minimize your suffering. This insider knowledge gives our Refugio County clients a significant advantage.

We have secured multi-million dollar results for victims across Texas, including settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for traumatic brain injuries and up to $8.6 million for amputation cases. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and respect it deserves.

Don’t let a corporate legal team push you around. Call 888-ATTY-911 today to speak with a Refugio County 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows how to win.

The High Stakes of Trucking Accidents in Refugio County

Refugio County sits at a critical junction of Texas freight. US Highway 77 is one of the busiest trucking routes in the state, serving as a primary corridor for trade moving from the Rio Grande Valley and the border toward the Port of Corpus Christi and Houston. Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers, crude oil tankers from the Eagle Ford Shale, and massive agricultural trucks barrel through our communities.

When one of these vehicles crashes, the results are rarely minor.

Refugio County’s Dangerous Trucking Corridors

We know the roads where these accidents happen. Whether it’s a jackknife on the US-77 bridge over the Aransas River or a high-speed rear-end collision at a crossover near Woodsboro, the physics are the same. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds needs the length of nearly two football fields to stop. When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or operating a vehicle with poorly maintained brakes, Refugio County families pay the price.

Trucking companies in the Coastal Bend are under intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Drivers often “push through” the 11-hour driving limit mandated by 49 CFR Part 395. When they do, they are sending a lethal weapon down our highways. Our firm investigates these violations immediately, subpoenaing the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when a driver chose profit over Refugio County safety.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

Proven Results Against Corporate Giants

We don’t blink when a corporate giant like Walmart, Amazon, or a multi-national oil company is on the other side of a Refugio County lawsuit. These companies often use complex contractor structures to try and shield themselves from liability.

For example, Amazon often claims that the delivery van that hit you was operated by an “independent contractor.” We’ve heard it all before. We know how to pierce that shield by showing the level of control those companies exercise over their drivers. Whether it’s monitoring them through Netradyne AI cameras or dictating their exact routes through Refugio County, we hold the parent company accountable for the system they created.

We’ve litigated against Walmart, FedEx, UPS, and major energy companies. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay. If you were hit by a company truck in Refugio County, you need an attorney who has already beaten their legal team.

Call (888) 288-9911 for a free case evaluation. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Fatal Trucking Violations: FMCSA Regulations and Your Case

To win a trucking accident case in Refugio County, you have to prove the driver or the company broke the law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict standards in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When these are ignored, people die.

Hours of Service (HOS) – 49 CFR Part 395

Fatigue is a leading killer. Under federal law, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. But on any given night on US-77 in Refugio County, there are drivers who have been behind the wheel for 14 or 16 hours, falsifying their logs to keep moving. We know how to find the “ghost logs” and prove the driver was too tired to be on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance – 49 CFR Part 396

Brake failure accounts for nearly 30% of truck crashes. Trucking companies in Refugio County often defer maintenance to save money. We subpoena the maintenance records and inspection reports to see if the company knew the truck was a “rolling violation” but sent it out anyway.

Driver Qualification – 49 CFR Part 391

Was the driver even qualified to be behind the wheel? Companies frequently fail to perform background checks or ignore a driver’s history of drug use or repeated traffic violations. We obtain the Driver Qualification File to see if the company committed negligent hiring.

If a trucking company violated these rules in Refugio County, they are negligent. Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent 25+ years mastering these regulations to build winning cases for his clients.

Types of Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Trucking accidents in Refugio County take many forms. Because of our location in the Eagle Ford Shale region and our proximity to the coast, we see a wide variety of commercial vehicle wrecks.

18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover

A jackknife often happens when a driver brakes too hard on a wet US-77 surface, causing the trailer to swing out and sweep across multiple lanes. In Refugio County’s rural areas, wind gusts can also cause high-profile trailers to roll over, especially if they are improperly loaded (a violation of 49 CFR Part 393).

Underride Collisions

These are among the most lethal. When a car slides under a trailer, the results are often fatal decapitations or severe traumatic brain injuries. We investigate whether the truck had the required rear-impact guards (Mansfield bars) and if they were properly maintained.

Oilfield and Energy Sector Accidents

Refugio County is deeply involved in the Texas energy industry. We represent victims hit by:

• Water Trucks and Sand Haulers: These oversized vehicles are often overloaded, making them prone to rollovers on narrow county roads.
• Crude Oil Tankers: A spill or explosion on a Refugio County road is a hazmat emergency (49 CFR Part 397).
• Crew Vans: Fatigued oilfield workers driving 15-passenger vans are a significant hazard during shift changes at 4 AM.

Delivery Van and Box Truck Crashes

Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks are everywhere in Woodsboro and Refugio. These drivers are under extreme time pressure, leading to distracted driving and dangerous reversing maneuvers in residential neighborhoods.

Vulnerable Road Users

We also fight for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists hit by trucks. When 80,000 pounds meets a human body, there is no minor injury. The weight disparity is a 20-to-1 fight that the smaller person can never win without a powerful legal team.

The clock is ticking. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can send a spoliation letter today to protect your case.

Who Is Really Liable for Your Refugio County Crash?

Most people assume only the driver is at fault. Our team digs deeper. We investigate the entire chain of liability to find every available insurance policy. In many Refugio County trucking accidents, there are as many as 16 potentially liable parties:

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, and HOS violations.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the load was improperly balanced.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to secure the cargo properly.
5. The Manufacturer: If a defective tire or brake part failed.
6. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
7. The Corporate Parent: Like Amazon or Walmart, for dictating unsafe schedules.
8. The Oilfield Operator: For creating hazardous conditions on a lease road.
9. The Maintenance Company: For failing to fix known mechanical issues.
10. The Rental Company: If a U-Haul or Penske truck was negligently maintained.

By identifying all liable parties, we can “stack” insurance coverage. This is the difference between a settlement that barely pays your bills and one that provides for your family’s future.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We don’t stop until we find every responsible party.

48-Hour Urgent Evidence Preservation

If you wait two weeks to call an attorney, you may have already lost your case. Trucking companies have “rapid response” teams. They are at the scene taking photos and interviewing witnesses while you are still in the emergency room.

We move just as fast. When you hire Attorney911, we send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours. We demand that the trucking company preserve:

• The ECM (Black Box): This records the truck’s speed, braking, and steering in the seconds before impact.
• ELD Logs: To prove the driver was over their legal hours.
• Netradyne/DriveCam Footage: Many corporate trucks have AI cameras that record the driver’s face and the road.
• Driver Qualification Files: To see if they hired a driver with a history of DWI or accidents.

In Refugio County’s humid and often harsh climate, physical evidence at the scene like skid marks and debris can fade in days. We deploy independent accident reconstruction experts to the site immediately.

Learn more: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Impact on Your Life

We handle cases involving life-altering trauma. A truck accident isn’t a “fender bender”—it’s a life-shaping event.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even a “mild” concussion can cause memory loss, mood swings, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis requires lifetime care. Settling such a case without a Life Care Plan is a disaster. We work with medical experts to calculate what you will need for the next 40 years.
• Amputations: Losing a limb or a digit changes your identity and your ability to provide. In one case, we secured $3.8 million for a client who faced medical complications leading to an amputation.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one on a Refugio County highway, we are deeply sorry. Justice means holding the company accountable for the life they took. Texas law allows you two years to file, but evidence won’t wait that long.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system. He saw how adjusters try to minimize these catastrophic injuries. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for YOU.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an attorney who understands the medical and financial cost of your injuries.

Understanding Refugio County Insurance Realities

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance than regular drivers. By federal law, most haulers must have at least $750,000 in coverage. Oil and hazmat trucks must have $5 million.

However, many major defendants like Walmart and Amazon are self-insured. This means they pay claims from their own corporate coffers. They fight harder because it is their own money on the line. They aren’t worried about an insurance premium going up; they’re worried about their bottom line.

You need an attorney who has gone toe-to-toe with these corporate legal departments. Ralph Manginello has been litigating since 1998 and has never been intimidated by a deep-pocketed defendant. Whether it’s an MCS-90 endorsement or a corporate umbrella policy, we know where the money is hidden, and we know how to get it for you.

Watch our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Non-Economic Damages: The Hidden Cost of Your Accident

Medical bills are only part of the story. You also deserve compensation for the things that don’t come with a receipt:

• Pain and Suffering: The physical agony of your recovery.
• Mental Anguish: The nightmares, the PTSD, and the fear of driving.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Not being able to pick up your children or enjoy a weekend at the coast.
• Disfigurement: The permanent scars that remind you of the crash every time you look in the mirror.

As client Donald Wilcox said, “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 don’t just look at the bills; we look at the person.

Refugio County Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Refugio County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Evidence in Refugio County cases disappears in weeks, and the trucking company is already building their defense. You should contact us within 48 hours of the crash.

What if the truck driver was from another state or country?
Refugio County is a major hub for interstate and international trade traffic on US-77. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas) and has dual licensure in Texas and New York. We can handle complex jurisdictional issues where other firms might struggle.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a “51% bar” modified comparative negligence rule. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why having an attorney who can disprove the trucking company’s attempts to blame you is essential.

Can I sue the oil company if an oilfield truck hit me near Refugio?
Yes. If the truck was working for an operator like ConocoPhillips or EOG, they may be liable under various legal theories, including negligent contractor selection or premises liability if the accident happened on a lease road. These companies have deep pockets and sophisticated legal teams.

How much does a Refugio County truck accident lawyer cost?
You pay us nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the recovery we win for you. We advance all costs for experts, investigators, and court filings. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee.

What if an Amazon van hit me in Refugio?
Amazon’s DSP model is designed to shield them from liability. They will tell you the driver worked for a different company. But we know how to pierce that shield. Amazon monitors these drivers intensely, and that control makes them liable. Call us at 888-ATTY-911 before you accept a small settlement from the DSP’s insurer.

Why is my case taking so long to settle?
Serious accidents require thorough documentation. If you have surgical injuries or require long-term care, we must wait until your “Maximum Medical Improvement” to know the full value of your case. Settling too early means you could leave millions on the table.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from the trucking company?
Almost never. The first offer is a “lowball” designed to take advantage of your financial stress. As Lupe Peña knows from his days in insurance defense, these offers are formulated to save the company money, not to help you heal.

What are nuclear verdicts?
A “nuclear verdict” is a jury award exceeding $10 million. Since 2020, juries across the country have shown they are willing to hold companies accountable for gross negligence. In one Texas case, a family received a $150 million settlement from Werner Enterprises. While every case is different, these trends show that jurors have no patience for trucking companies that cut corners.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español fluido. Podemos representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Experience That Counts Since 1998

When you are hit by a commercial vehicle in Refugio County—whether it’s an 18-wheeler, a garbage truck, or a sand hauler—the power dynamic is completely shifted against you. The trucking company counts on you being overwhelmed. They count on you not knowing that the black box data is about to be erased.

Ralph Manginello started this firm to level that playing field. Our team has gone head-to-head with the largest corporations on the planet and made them pay. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we treat every case like a trial. We don’t just send letters; we file lawsuits, we take depositions, and we force the company to tell the truth.

As Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We combine 25+ years of litigation experience with a fast, urgent response.

Your Fight Starts With One Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

If your life has been shattered by a trucking accident in Refugio County, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you are in the hospital in Victoria, Reflexology, or Corpus Christi, we can help.

Our team will:

1. Send immediate preservation letters to the trucking company.
2. Deploy investigators to the scene on US-77 or US-183.
3. Identify all 16 potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
4. Handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
5. Fight to get you “every dime you deserve.”

The trucking company has lawyers working right now. Shouldn’t you?

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or (713) 528-9070. You can also email Ralph directly at ralph@atty911.com. We are available 24/7. No fee unless we win.

Refugio County drivers deserve the best representation. 25+ years of experience. Former insurance defense insight. Multi-million dollar results. One number to remember: 888-ATTY-911.

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