Round Rock 18-Wheeler Accident and Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

The impact of an 80,000-pound truck slamming into a car on I-35 is not just a traffic accident; it is a violent, life-altering event that defies the laws of a fair fight. When a fully loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds through the heart of Round Rock collides with your 4,000-pound sedan, the kinetic energy involved is nearly 20 times that of a standard car-on-car crash. The result is often catastrophic, leaving families in Williamson County to pick up the pieces of shattered lives while multi-billion-dollar trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to the scene before the ambulance even reaches the hospital.

At Attorney911, we understand that you are in a legal emergency. Since 1998, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has stood as a shield for victims, recovering over $50 million for families across Texas. We don’t just see a case number; we see a neighbor in Round Rock whose future is under threat. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations—including litigation against BP following the Texas City refinery disaster. We have a proven history of holding giants like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS accountable.

Our firm brings a specialized advantage to the table: Associate Attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining our team to fight for victims, Lupe worked for years as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm. He knows the playbook the insurance companies use to minimize your claim in Round Rock because he used to read that playbook from the inside. He knows how they undervalue traumatic brain injuries, how they try to hide black box data, and how they use “independent contractor” shields to protect their parent corporations. We use this insider knowledge to dismantle their defenses. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

The Reality of Truck Accidents on Round Rock High-Traffic Corridors

Round Rock sits at one of the most critical crossroads in the American logistics chain. The I-35 corridor running through the center of our city is the primary NAFTA freight artery, carrying thousands of commercial vehicles every hour. Whether it’s an 18-wheeler hauling freight to Dallas, a delivery van servicing the Dell Technologies campus, or a dump truck moving materials to a new construction site near University Boulevard, the sheer volume of commercial traffic creates a high-stakes environment for every driver in Round Rock.

The congestion at the I-35 and US-79 interchange, the high-speed merges near the SH 45 toll road, and the constant stop-and-go traffic near the Round Rock Premium Outlets are all hotspots for commercial vehicle collisions. In these areas, a single moment of driver fatigue, a second of distraction, or a mechanical failure like a brake malfunction can trigger a chain-reaction pileup that fills local trauma centers. Our team knows these roads intimately. We understand how the design of the Hester’s Crossing merge or the heavy truck volume on MoPac (Loop 1) contributes to the risk of 18-wheeler accidents in Round Rock.

When disaster strikes on these highways, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team that moves as fast as the trucking company’s investigators. We take immediate action to preserve evidence that the other side wants to disappear. The clock starts the moment the crash occurs. Call 888-ATTY-911 now to protect your rights.

Commercial Truck Accident Types Handled in Round Rock

Every trucking accident has a unique physical “fingerprint” that tells the story of how the negligence happened. Because a loaded 18-wheeler requires 40% more stopping distance than a car—nearly 525 feet, or two football fields, at 65 mph—the mechanics of these crashes are devastating.

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle like a folding knife. This often happens on wet or slick surfaces on Round Rock overpasses or when a driver brakes too hard on a curve. Under FMCSA regulation 49 CFR § 393.48, every truck must have a fully functioning brake system. If a truck jackknifes on I-35 because the brakes were improperly adjusted or the driver was speeding for the conditions, the trucking company is liable. These crashes often sweep across all lanes of traffic, causing multi-car pileups.

2. Rollover Crashes

With a high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are notoriously susceptible to rollovers, especially when taking the high-speed ramps of SH 45 or the tight turns of local access roads in Round Rock. Rollovers are frequently caused by improperly secured cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100) or taking turns too fast. When 80,000 pounds of steel and freight tips over, it crushes everything in its path.

3. Underride and Override Collisions

An underride collision is perhaps the most lethal scenario on Round Rock roads. This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many of these “Mansfield bars” fail at impact. An override is the opposite—the truck drives over the vehicle in front of it. Both usually result in decapitations or catastrophic head and neck trauma.

4. Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and up to two lanes wide on the right side. If a truck driver changes lanes into your path on MoPac without checking their mirrors—a violation of 49 CFR § 393.80—they can force your car into a guardrail or beneath their wheels.

5. Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

You see it often in Round Rock near industrial zones: a truck swings wide left to make a right turn. If the driver doesn’t check their right-side mirrors properly, they can “squeeze” a following car against the curb or a utility pole. This is a common cause of amputations and crush injuries for motorists and cyclists in urban areas.

6. Tire Blowouts and Maintenance Failures

A shredding tire at 70 mph can send an 18-wheeler careening out of control. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic maintenance and inspection. We investigate whether the company used “retread” tires on steer axles or if they deferred maintenance to save money. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims specifically injured by such corporate negligence.

If you have been hit by any of these commercial vehicles, do not wait. Evidence like skid marks and debris can be cleared within hours. Call (888) 288-9911 for immediate assistance.

Targeted Commercial Vehicles: Beyond the 18-Wheeler

While big rigs dominate the news, many commercial vehicle accidents in Round Rock involve smaller but equally dangerous trucks. Our firm investigates cases involving:

• Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Sysco): These drivers are under extreme “last-mile” pressure. Amazon DSP drivers often skip breaks and speed through residential neighborhoods in Round Rock to meet AI-driven quotas.
• Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles: Loaded with gravel or dirt for new Williamson County developments, these trucks often lack underride guards and are prone to rolling over due to shifting loads.
• Garbage and Waste Trucks: Frequent backing and massive blind spots make waste trucks a major threat to pedestrians and children in Round Rock neighborhoods.
• Concrete Mixers: The “slosh effect” of liquid concrete makes these trucks incredibly unstable. A rollover by a mixer usually results in a fatal crush.
• Rental Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): These are 26,000-pound vehicles driven by people with zero commercial training. We hold rental companies accountable for negligent entrustment when they put a “missile” in the hands of an unqualified driver.
• Tow Trucks: Often driven aggressively to reach scenes, tow trucks operating on the shoulder of I-35 create high risks for secondary collisions.
• Public Transit and Charter Buses: These involve multiple victims and complex sovereign immunity issues if a government entity is involved.

Identifying Liable Parties in Round Rock Truck Accidents

The most important thing to understand about a truck wreck is that the driver is rarely the only person responsible. To maximize your recovery, we must identify every link in the chain.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like distraction (49 CFR § 392.82) or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): Liable for the driver’s actions under respondeat superior and for negligent hiring/supervision.
3. The Cargo Loader: If shifting freight caused a rollover, the loading company is liable for violating 49 CFR Part 393.
4. The Freight Broker: Did they hire a “bottom-tier” carrier with a bad safety score? We hold brokers responsible for negligent selection.
5. The Manufacturer: If a defective brake or steering component failed, we pursue a product liability claim.
6. The Corporate Parent (The “Amazon Shield”): Amazon and FedEx Ground notoriously try to use “independent contractor” labels to avoid liability. We use the “right-to-control” test to prove that the corporate giant actually dictated the driver’s every move, making them responsible for the crash.
7. Oilfield Operators: In cases involving water trucks or sand haulers, the oil company that set the schedule or maintained the dangerous lease road may be liable.

If you were hit by a company truck, the trucking firm is likely already working to hide their liability. We won’t let them. 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.” Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us find the money for you.

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

We win cases because we know the federal law better than the trucking companies do. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that, when broken, provide clear evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the #1 killer in trucking. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off. They cannot drive past the 14th hour on duty. If a driver hits you on US-79 after being awake for 20 hours because their dispatcher pressured them, they have broken the law. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to catch them in the act.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies must keep a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. It must include a road test, medical cert, and background check. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple crashes in Round Rock, that is negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drivers are subject to random testing and mandatory post-accident testing. If a driver was under the influence of amphetamines or alcohol—a continuing problem in high-pressure long-haul routes—the carrier faces massive liability.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Before every trip, a driver must complete an inspection report. If they “pencil-whipped” the report and drove with worn brakes through Round Rock, they are negligent. We demand these maintenance records immediately.

We have used these regulations to secure seven-figure results for our clients. Whether it’s a traumatic brain injury settlement ranging from $1.5M to $9.8M or a wrongful death case reaching $9.5M, we know how to use the law to fix the future for our clients.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Black Box

You must act now. In a modern commercial vehicle, there is an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box.” This device records speed, brake application, throttle position, and steering input in the seconds before impact.

Wait 30 days, and that data is often overwritten.
Wait a week, and the trucking company may have already repaired and sold the truck.

We send formal Spoliation Letters within 24 hours of being hired. This legal notice commands the trucking company to preserve the ECM data, ELD logs, dashcam footage (Netradyne/DriveCam), and dispatch records. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for “adverse inference” instructions, telling the jury to assume the missing evidence proved the truck was at fault.

Don’t let them delete the truth. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Path to Recovery

A truck accident in Round Rock doesn’t just result in cuts and bruises. It results in life-altering medical emergencies.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs can range from “mild” concussions that leave you with permanent memory fog to severe axonal shearing. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims. Learn more in our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When 80,000 pounds crushes a car roof, the spine often takes the brunt. Quadriplegia and paraplegia require 24/7 care. We build “Life Care Plans” that calculate every dollar you will need for health care, modifications to your Round Rock home, and specialized transportation for the next 40 years.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

The “squeeze play” during wide turns often leads to the loss of limbs. We fight for compensation that covers advanced bionic prosthetics and lifetime rehabilitation. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9M to over $8M.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma to the abdomen can cause splenic rupture or liver lacerations. These injuries often have delayed symptoms. We ensure you see the right specialists at trauma facilities like St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center to document every injury.

PTSD and Psychological Trauma

The mental image of a semi-truck grill filling your rearview mirror doesn’t go away. We secure payouts for PTSD, driving anxiety, and mental anguish. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for your mind as well as your body.

Commercial Insurance: Finding the Coverage

Trucking companies carry much more insurance than car drivers, but they fight ten times harder to keep it.

• General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
• Oil & Specialized Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum.

Many companies like Walmart and Amazon are self-insured. This means the money they pay you comes directly off their bottom line, so they hire the most aggressive defense lawyers in the country. Our associate Lupe Peña used to defend these companies—now he uses their secrets to win for you. We understand MCS-90 endorsements, which ensure you get paid even if the trucking company’s policy has technical loopholes.

Round Rock Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a claim in Round Rock?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident. However, in trucking cases, if you wait two years, the evidence will be long gone. You need an attorney to send a preservation letter within days.

2. The trucking company’s insurance called me with a settlement. Should I take it?
NEVER accept the first offer. It is a lowball designed to make you go away before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never ask for more, even if you need surgery later.

3. What if the accident was partially my fault?
Texas follows the “51% Bar Rule.” As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

4. How much does a lawyer cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for experts, investigators, and filing fees. We only get paid if we win. 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if the case goes to trial.

5. Which court will hear my case?
If your accident happened in Round Rock, it will likely be heard in the Williamson County District Court in Georgetown. If the trucking company is from out-of-state, we may move it to Federal Court, where Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice.

6. Can I sue Amazon if their driver hit me?
Yes. Even though Amazon calls them “contractors,” we can often prove Amazon has enough control over their daily work to hold the parent company liable.

7. Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
We can help you obtain treatment via a “Letter of Protection” (LOP), where doctors agree to treat you now and wait for payment from the settlement. This ensures you get care without paying out of pocket.

Why Choose Attorney911?

When disaster strikes on the I-35 or around the Dell campus, you deserve a firm that treats you like family.

• 25+ Years Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting since 1998.
• Inside Advantage: Lupe Peña knows the insurance defense playbook.
• Proven Results: Over $50 million recovered for injury victims.
• 24/7 Availability: Legal emergencies don’t happen during 9-to-5. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time.
• Local and Federal Reach: With offices in Houston and Austin, we handle cases throughout Williamson County and in federal court.

As client Kiimarii Yup shared: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We don’t just win cases; we rebuild lives.

Call Round Rock’s Truck Accident Experts Today

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working right now to protect their profits. You deserve a team working just as hard to protect your family. Do not let the black box data be deleted. Do not let the insurance adjuster trick you into an recorded statement.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on I-35 or a delivery van in your neighborhood, we are ready to fight for every dime you deserve. Hablamos Español. Your recovery starts with one call.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Round Rock’s Legal Emergency Team
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