Schertz Truck Accident Lawyer: The Full Guide to 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Litigation
The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial truck is never just an “accident.” It is a life-altering event that leaves families in Schertz shattered, facing mounting medical bills, and fighting against corporate giants that have lawyers on the scene before the sirens fade. If you were hit on I-35 near FM 3009 or caught in a chain-reaction crash on I-10, you are now in a high-stakes battle for your future.
At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent more than 25 years holding trucking companies, corporate fleet operators, and oilfield service providers accountable. We don’t just “handle” cases; we prepare for war. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has navigated the complexities of federal court and gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 defendants like BP, ExxonMobil, and Walmart. We bring a unique “inside” advantage to Schertz because our team includes Associate Attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, their tactics for minimizing your pain, and exactly how they hide evidence.
The clock is ticking. Evidence in Schertz truck accidents can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Call our legal emergency team 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.
Why Schertz is a High-Risk Zone for 18-Wheeler Accidents
Schertz sits at the heart of one of the deadliest trucking stretches in North America. Positioned right on the I-35 corridor—the primary north-south artery for NAFTA trade—and just north of I-10, Schertz sees tens of thousands of commercial vehicles every single day. Whether it is a long-haul semi-truck carrying freight through Comal County or an Amazon delivery van rushing from a nearby fulfillment center to a neighborhood in the Northcliffe area, the risk is constant.
In Schertz, these 80,000-pound missiles share the road with families taking children to school at Samuel Clemens High School or commuters heading toward San Antonio. When a fatigued driver or an improperly maintained rig hits a rain slick on the I-35 overpasses near FM 1518, the results are catastrophic. We know these roads. We know the Schertz trucking corridors. And we know how to prove when a driver or their company has put Schertz residents at risk.
If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. We’ve recovered millions for victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
48-Hour Evidence Preservation: Why Speed is Critical in Schertz
In a standard car accident, you might wait a week to call a lawyer. In a Schertz truck wreck, waiting a week can destroy your case. Trucking companies and their insurers dispatch “Rapid Response Teams”—adjusters and investigators whose only job is to protect the company. They arrive at the Schertz crash site while you are still in the trauma bay at Northeast Methodist or being life-flighted to a Level 1 center like BAMC in San Antonio.
The Black Box and ELD Data
Modern trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called the “black box.” It records speed, brake application, throttle position, and engine RPM in the seconds leading up to a crash. However, many systems are set to overwrite this data within 30 days of normal driving. If the truck stays on Schertz roads, that evidence is lost forever.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
Under 49 CFR § 395.8, most drivers must use ELDs to record their hours of service. This data is the key to proving driver fatigue—the #1 killer in 18-wheeler accidents. Federal law only requires these logs to be kept for six months, but a sophisticated trucking company in Schertz might claim they were “accidentally” purged sooner if they show a violation.
Our Immediate Action Plan
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has perfected the Attorney911 Evidence Preservation Protocol. Within 24-48 hours of being hired, we send formal Spoliation Letters to every potentially liable party. We demand they lock down:
- The truck’s ECM and EDR data.
- The driver’s “Qualification File” required by 49 CFR Part 391.
- Maintenance logs for the trailer and tractor (49 CFR Part 396).
- Any dashcam footage, including Netradyne or DriveCam systems.
- GPS and telematics logs showing route deviations.
As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We move fast because we know the stakes. Call (888) 288-9911 today.
The Insurance Defense Advantage: Our Secret Weapon
When you sue a trucking company, you aren’t fighting a driver; you’re fighting a billion-dollar insurance carrier. These companies use every trick to minimize, delay, and deny your claim. They try to trick you into giving a “recorded statement” to use against you or offer a lowball “quick settlement” before you even know if you need surgery.
This is where Attorney911 offers Schertz victims an unfair advantage. Lupe Peña spent the early years of his career as an insurance defense attorney. He sat in the very boardrooms where adjusters calculate how to pay you the absolute minimum. Now, as our associate attorney, he exposes those tactics.
Lupe knows:
- Valuation Formulas: He knows how they use software like Colossus to undervalue your pain and suffering.
- Delay Tactics: He recognizes when they are stalling for time to let witnesses forget.
- The “Pre-Existing” Trap: He knows how they try to blame your Schertz truck injuries on old sports injuries or age-related “degeneration.”
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. He knows their playbook. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
18-Wheeler Accident Types and Mechanics in Schertz
Mechanical failure and driver error are the leading causes of the wrecks we see on Schertz highways. Every accident type has a unique footprint of negligence.
1. Jackknife Accidents on I-35 and I-10
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock or the trailer loses traction, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. In Schertz’s rainy months, the overpasses of I-35 are notorious “slick spots.” When an 80,000-pound truck jackknifes across three lanes of traffic, it creates a “no-escape” zone for cars behind it.
- The Negligence: Often a violation of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) or speeding for conditions.
2. Underride Collisions
Among the most horrific accidents, underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a trailer. Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained. Side underride guards are still not federally mandated, but trucking companies that fail to install them may still be liable for a “foreseeable hazard.”
- The Injuries: Decapitation, severe TBI, or fatal head trauma. We have recovered millions for families in wrongful death cases involving underride impacts.
3. Rollover Crashes
Trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes the FM 1518 exit ramp too fast or if cargo shifts because it wasn’t secured according to 49 CFR § 393.100, the truck will roll. In Schertz, wind gusts on open stretches can also contribute to rollovers for “light” or empty trailers.
- The Liable Party: This often points back to the Loading Company or the Cargo Owner.
4. Tire Blowouts and Road Debris
A “road gator”—a shredded truck tire—is a deadly obstacle. Tire blowouts are rarely just “bad luck.” Federal regulation 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates strict tread depth and prohibits regrooved tires on steer axles. If a blowout caused your Schertz crash, we subpoena the tire purchase records and maintenance logs to prove the company skipped inspections to save money.
5. Blind Spot “No-Zone” Wrecks
Trucks have four massive blind spots. In congested Schertz traffic, if a driver fails to adequately check their mirrors before merging, they can crush a passenger vehicle. We use telematics data to prove they made an unsafe lane change in violation of 49 CFR § 392.11.
Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
Complex Commercial Vehicles: More Than Just Big Rigs
While 18-wheelers get the headlines, Schertz roads are filled with other specialized commercial vehicles that carry just as much risk and even more complex liability structures.
Delivery Van Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
Amazon’s massive fulfillment presence near Schertz means thousands of “last-mile” delivery vans are in residential areas every day. Drivers are monitored by AI cameras like Netradyne, which score them on speed and braking. If Amazon’s algorithm pushed a driver to ignore a stop sign or move too quickly through a Schertz school zone to hit a quota, Amazon can—and should—be held liable.
- The Contractor Defense: Amazon and FedEx Ground often claim their drivers are “independent contractors” to shield the parent company from suits. Ralph Manginello knows how to pierce this shield by proving “Right of Control.”
Dump Truck and Concrete Mixer Accidents
With the ongoing construction boom in Comal County, dump trucks and cement mixers are everywhere. A fully loaded concrete mixer weighs 70,000+ lbs. They are prone to “liquid slosh” rollovers. If a construction company overloaded a dump truck with gravel that then spilled and broke your windshield, causing a wreck, they are liable for your damages under 49 CFR § 393.100.
Garbage Truck and Waste Hauler Wrecks
Garbage trucks operate in neighborhoods where children play. They have massive blind spots and constantly back up. In Schertz, if a Republic Services or Waste Management truck backs into a pedestrian or vehicle, the liability may involve both the driver and the municipality’s contract oversight.
Moving and Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)
Unlike professional truckers, any person with a driver’s license can rent a 26-foot box truck. They have zero training and no CDL. If a rental company entrusted a massive vehicle to an obviously unfit driver or failed to maintain the brakes on a Ryder truck, we hold them accountable for Negligent Entrustment.
Oilfield Vehicles and Eagle Ford Support
Schertz is a staging ground for vehicles heading south into the Eagle Ford Shale. Overloaded water trucks, frac sand haulers, and crude tankers travel on local FM roads and Highway 46. These drivers work brutal, 14-hour shifts. When an exhausted oilfield driver crosses the center line, you aren’t just suing a trucker; you’re suing an oil giant.
Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has litigated against Fortune 500 giants like BP and Exxon. We aren’t afraid of their deep pockets. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Who Really Pays?
General practice lawyers often only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we cast a wider net because more defendants mean more insurance coverage for your catastrophic injuries. In a Schertz truck accident, the following parties may all share the blame:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like distraction or speed.
- The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
- The Freight Broker: If they hired a carrier with an “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Cargo Shipper: If they forced the driver to violate 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service).
- The Maintenance Service: If their Schertz-based mechanic signed off on bad brakes.
- The Manufacturer: If a tire defect or steering failure caused the rollover.
- The Corporate Brand (Amazon, Walmart): If their internal safety protocols were ignored.
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 find the money other lawyers miss.
Catastrophic Injuries: Protecting Your Future in Schertz
A truck accident doesn’t result in a “fender bender.” It results in life-altering physical trauma. Recovering compensation for these injuries requires a lawyer who understands medical science and the high cost of long-term care in Texas.
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The deceleration force of an 18-wheeler impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Even if you “feel fine” after a Schertz crash, a slow brain bleed or axonal shearing can lead to permanent cognitive loss.
- Settlement Range: $1.5M to $9.8M+.
- Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When a semi-truck roof crushes a car in a rollover, the spine is often compressed. Paraplegia or quadriplegia requires a lifetime of nursing care, adaptive housing, and specialized medical equipment.
- Settlement Range: $4.7M to $25.8M+.
3. Traumatic Amputation and Limb Loss
The sheer weight of cargo or a crushed dashboard can trap a limb, leading to surgical or traumatic amputation. In one car accident with medical complications, our firm secured $3.8 million for a partial leg amputation.
- Settlement Range: $1.9M to $8.6M.
4. Wrongful Death in Schertz
Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents can file a claim to recover for the loss of companionship, future earnings, and mental anguish. Since 1998, we have guided Schertz families through the darkest moments of their lives.
- Settlement Range: $1.9M to $9.5M+.
As Chad Harris testified, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for your family the way we would for our own. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Federal Regulations: The Law We Use to Win in Schertz
We use the Code of Federal Regulations as a weapon. If a trucker violates these rules, it is often “negligence per se”—meaning they are automatically at fault in the eyes of the law.
1. 49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. Drivers on Schertz delivery routes are notorious for “fudging” logs to make cross-Texas runs. We subpoena the GPS data from companies like Samsara or Geotab to prove the logs were faked.
2. 49 CFR Part 382: Drug & Alcohol Testing
Commercial drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing. If a driver involved in a Schertz wreck tested positive for methamphetamines (a common fatigue-fighting drug) or marijuana, the liability is absolute.
3. 49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
The motor carrier must maintain a file proving the driver has a valid CDL and is medically cleared. If a Schertz carrier hired a driver with a record of DUIs or uncontrolled epilepsy, they are liable for Negligent Hiring.
Commercial Insurance Minimums: What You Need to Know
Standard car insurance in Texas only requires $30,000 in coverage. That won’t cover a single night in the ICU. However, federal law (49 CFR § 387.9) mandates much higher limits for commercial trucks:
- General Freight: $750,000 Minimum.
- Oil and Hazardous Equipment: $1,000,000 Minimum.
- Hazardous Materials (Tankers): $5,000,000 Minimum.
Most large carriers in Schertz, like Walmart or J.B. Hunt, carry “umbrella” policies that go into the tens of millions. Our job is to stack these policies to ensure your settlement reflects your actual lifetime needs.
Learn more about insurance stacking in our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.
Frequently Asked Questions for Schertz Victims
Q: How much is my Schertz truck accident case worth?
A: Every case is different, but settlements in 18-wheeler cases are significantly higher than car crashes due to injury severity and higher insurance limits. We evaluate medical bills, lost lifetime income, and non-economic damages like “Loss of Enjoyment of Life.” As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Schertz?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for government-owned transit buses or city utility trucks, you may have much shorter deadlines (3-6 months) to file a “Notice of Claim.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to ensure you don’t miss a deadline.
Q: Can I sue the oil company if an oilfield truck hit me near Schertz?
A: Yes. If the driver was working for a contractor at an Exxon or Pioneer wellsite, the oil giant may be liable as the “General Contractor” or under “Premises Liability” if poor layout of the lease road caused the crash.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the crash in Schertz?
A: Texas follows “Modified Comparative Fault.” As long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages. Your total settlement is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t assume you can’t win until our team investigates.
Q: Does it cost anything to hire Attorney911?
A: No. We work on a Contingency Fee basis. We advance all the costs of hiring accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
Dealing with Big Corporate Defendants: David vs. Goliath
In Schertz, you aren’t just fighting “truckers.” You are fighting companies like:
- Walmart: Whose rapid-response team is world-famous for their speed.
- Amazon: Who will try to hide behind their “Delivery Service Partner” structure.
- H-E-B: Who operates one of the largest private fleets in Texas and fights aggressively.
- Oil Giants: Who use “Captive Insurance” and in-house legal teams to scare off victims.
Since 2001, Ralph Manginello has been the attorney victims call in an emergency. We have gone toe-to-toe with the biggest companies on the planet. We’ve seen their dirty tricks—from “losing” dashcam footage to scrubbing black box data—and we know how to stop them.
Our managing partner brings federal court experience and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families in situations just like yours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Contact Schertz’s Legal Emergency Experts Today
When 80,000 pounds of steel change your life, you don’t need a lawyer—you need a fighter. You need a team that understands the complex interplay between the FMCSR, Texas state laws, and the medical realities of catastrophic trauma.
At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We are available 24/7/365 to take your call and start the process of protecting your future.
Don’t let the trucking company win by default. If you were hurt in Schertz or anywhere in Comal County, contact us now. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Call Today: 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — Serving Schertz and across Texas.
Hidden Damages: What the Insurance Company Won’t Tell You
Most people know to claim medical bills and car repairs. But in a Schertz truck case, there are “Hidden Damages” that can double or triple your settlement:
- Household Services: The value of cooking, cleaning, and yard work you can no longer do.
- Lost Benefits: The value of your 401(k) match, health insurance, and pension lost because you can’t return to your career.
- Home Modification: The cost of installing ramps, wide doors, and accessible showers if you are paralyzed.
- Retraining: The cost of vocational school if you must switch from a physical job to a sedentary one.
- Loss of Companionship: The emotional value of your relationship with your spouse or children.
We calculate every penny. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to get starting on your recovery.
Schertz Common Truck Route Hazards
- I-35 North & South: Constant lane changes and high-speed freight merging.
- I-10 (Southern Schertz): Main gateway for cross-country cargo haulers.
- FM 3009: Heavy truck traffic serving local retail hubs and construction sites.
- Hwy 78: Navigating through Schertz and Cibolo with large delivery box trucks.
- Distribution Hubs: The entrance and exits of logistics centers where fatigued drivers start their shifts.
Ready to fight back? We’re ready to help. (888) 288-9911.
Landmark Case Context (Not Attorney911 Cases)
Juries in Texas and across the country are sending messages to negligent companies. In 2021, a Texas jury awarded $730 Million in a case involving an oversize propeller load that caused a fatal crash. In 2022, Werner Enterprises paid $150 Million in a Texas settlement after a crash killed two children on I-30. While every case is unique, these results show that when we prove a company prioritized “profit over people,” juries in Schertz and beyond will hold them accountable.
Final Call to Action
There is zero risk in calling. We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you in the hospital or your home in Schertz. Whether it was an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, or an Amazon van—if it was a corporate truck, it was our fight.
1-888-ATTY-911. Your family. Your future. Your fight starts today.
