Fatal Rear-End Collision on West Loop 1604 North: Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable in Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas

The Crash That Changed Lives in an Instant

It happened at 5:40 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2026. A female driver was traveling on the 11700 block of West Loop 1604 North near Bandera Road in San Antonio when her life ended in a violent collision with a box truck. Police reports confirm the box truck was already at a halt when the driver failed to stop and rear-ended it. The impact was catastrophic. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

This wasn’t just another traffic accident. This was an 80,000-pound box truck versus a passenger vehicle. The physics of that collision meant the outcome was tragically predictable. While this incident occurred in San Antonio, the same dangers exist right here in Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas. Our highways see the same box trucks, the same fatigued drivers, the same pressure to meet delivery deadlines at the expense of safety.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this scenario play out too many times. Box trucks—whether delivering packages for Amazon, groceries for H-E-B, or freight for Werner Enterprises—are a constant presence on I-10, I-35, and the rural routes of Guadalupe County. When tragedy strikes, families are left devastated, and the trucking companies responsible often try to minimize their liability. That’s where we step in.

Who Is Liable? Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery. In this incident, the following parties could be held accountable:

1. The At-Fault Driver

The driver who rear-ended the box truck bears primary responsibility. Their negligence—whether due to distraction, fatigue, speeding, or mechanical failure—directly caused the fatal collision.

Potential Claims Against the Driver:
– Negligent operation of a motor vehicle
– Violation of traffic laws (following too closely, speeding)
– Wrongful death (if the driver was also killed or if their actions led to another’s death)

2. The Box Truck Driver and Trucking Company

Even though the box truck was stationary, the driver and their employer could share liability if:
– The truck was improperly parked or lacked proper warning devices
– The truck’s brake lights or reflectors were not functioning
– The driver failed to pull over to a safe location if the truck was disabled
– The trucking company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to unsafe practices

FMCSA Requirements for Parked Vehicles (49 CFR § 392.22):
“Whenever a commercial motor vehicle is stopped upon the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops, the driver shall immediately activate the vehicular hazard warning signal flashers and continue the flashing until the driver places the warning devices.”

Why This Matters:
If the box truck was stopped in a hazardous location without proper warning devices, the trucking company could be liable for creating a dangerous condition.

3. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies can be held liable under several legal doctrines:

Respondeat Superior (Vicarious Liability)

Under this doctrine, employers are responsible for the negligent acts of their employees committed within the scope of employment. If the box truck driver was acting as an employee (not an independent contractor), their employer could be liable for any negligence.

Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, provide adequate training, and supervise their conduct. If the company:
– Failed to conduct background checks
– Hired a driver with a history of accidents or violations
– Provided inadequate training on safe parking or warning procedures
– Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

FMCSA Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391):
– Drivers must be at least 21 years old (interstate)
– Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently
– Must be physically qualified (medical certification)
– Must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) if required
– Must complete a road test or equivalent

Evidence We Pursue:
– Driver Qualification File (DQF)
– Employment application and background check
– Training records
– Previous accident and violation history
– Dispatch records showing schedule pressure

Negligent Maintenance

If the box truck had mechanical issues (e.g., non-functioning brake lights, worn tires) that contributed to the crash, the trucking company could be liable for failing to maintain the vehicle properly.

FMCSA Maintenance Record Retention (49 CFR § 396.3):
Motor carriers must retain maintenance records for at least one year.

Evidence We Pursue:
– Maintenance and repair records
– Inspection reports
– Out-of-service orders
– Mechanic work orders

4. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

If the box truck was carrying cargo, the company that loaded it could be liable if:
– The cargo was improperly secured, causing instability
– The cargo was overweight, affecting stopping distance
– The shipper pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines

FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136):
Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, leaking, or falling from the vehicle. Specific requirements apply to different types of cargo (e.g., logs, metal coils, machinery).

5. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the truck or its components (brakes, tires, lighting) could be liable under product liability laws.

Potential Defects:
– Brake system failures
– Tire defects (blowouts, tread separation)
– Lighting system failures
– Steering or suspension defects

Evidence We Pursue:
– Recall notices and technical service bulletins
– Similar defect complaints (NHTSA database)
– Expert analysis of failed components

6. Government Entities (Rare but Possible)

If road conditions contributed to the crash, a government entity could be liable. For example:
– Poorly designed or maintained roads
– Inadequate signage or lighting
– Failure to address known hazards

Challenges with Government Claims:
– Sovereign immunity limits liability
– Strict notice requirements (often 90 days or less)
– Caps on damages

Why This Case Could Be Worth Millions

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles. Federal law requires:
– $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
– $1,000,000 minimum for oil, large equipment, and certain other cargo
– $5,000,000 minimum for hazardous materials

Many trucking companies carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases can actually be compensated fairly—unlike car accidents where insurance limits may be exhausted quickly.

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

The trucking industry has seen a surge in “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million. These verdicts reflect juries’ growing frustration with trucking companies that prioritize profits over safety.

Recent Landmark Verdicts:
| Case | Year | Location | Verdict | Key Factors |
|——|——|———-|———|————-|
| Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger | 2021 | Texas | $730 Million | Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman; gross negligence |
| Werner Enterprises Settlement | 2022 | Texas | $150 Million | Two children killed on I-30; largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history |
| St. Louis Underride Case | 2024 | Missouri | $462 Million | Two men decapitated in underride crash; manufacturer liability |
| Alabama Rollover Case | 2024 | Alabama | $160 Million | Rollover left driver quadriplegic; $75M compensatory + $75M punitive |

Why These Verdicts Matter for Your Case:
These cases demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for egregious negligence. If the box truck company in this incident violated FMCSA regulations, falsified logs, or pressured drivers to meet unsafe deadlines, punitive damages could be on the table.

The Role of Expert Witnesses

Trucking accident cases often require expert testimony to explain complex issues to a jury. At Attorney911, we work with a network of top experts, including:

1. Accident Reconstruction Experts

These experts analyze:
– Skid marks and vehicle damage
– Road conditions and visibility
– Vehicle speeds and trajectories
– Driver reaction times

Why They Matter:
Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the crash and determine exactly what happened. Their testimony is often critical in proving liability.

2. Trucking Industry Experts

These experts testify about:
– Industry standards for safe driving
– Proper cargo securement techniques
– Hours of service compliance
– Trucking company policies and procedures

Why They Matter:
Trucking industry experts can explain how the defendant’s actions deviated from industry norms, strengthening your case.

3. Medical Experts

Medical experts testify about:
– The nature and extent of injuries
– Future medical needs and costs
– Life expectancy and disability
– Pain and suffering

Why They Matter:
Medical experts help juries understand the full impact of injuries, which is critical for calculating damages.

4. Economic Experts

Economic experts calculate:
– Lost wages and earning capacity
– Future medical expenses
– Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
– Present value of future damages

Why They Matter:
Economic experts ensure that all financial losses are accounted for in your claim.

5. Human Factors Experts

These experts analyze:
– Driver fatigue and its effects on reaction time
– Distracted driving behaviors
– The impact of drugs or alcohol on driving ability

Why They Matter:
Human factors experts can explain why the driver failed to stop in time, whether due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment.

The Emotional Toll: Why Families Need More Than Money

Losing a loved one in a trucking accident is devastating. The emotional toll is immeasurable, and no amount of money can bring them back. However, holding the responsible parties accountable can:
– Provide financial security for surviving family members
– Send a message that negligent trucking companies will be held accountable
– Prevent future tragedies by forcing companies to improve safety

At Attorney911, we understand that this is about more than money. It’s about justice. It’s about closure. It’s about making sure no other family has to endure this pain.

How We Support Families:
– Compassionate Guidance: We treat every client like family. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support.
– No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
– Aggressive Representation: We fight tirelessly to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
– Resources for Healing: We connect families with grief counselors, support groups, and other resources to help them cope.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Trucking Accident Case

When you’re up against a trucking company with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance, you need an attorney who knows how to fight—and win. At Attorney911, we have 25+ years of experience holding trucking companies accountable. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

Trucking cases are not like car accident cases. They involve:
– Federal regulations (FMCSA, 49 CFR)
– Complex liability (multiple defendants)
– Massive insurance policies ($1M+)
– Aggressive defense tactics

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. We know the industry inside and out.

2. We Have an Insider Advantage

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

What This Means for Your Case:
– We know every tactic the insurance company will use against you.
– We anticipate their arguments and counter them before they’re made.
– We know how to maximize your recovery within the system.

3. We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. We:
– Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve ECM/black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records.
– Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene immediately.
– Obtain cell phone records before they’re deleted.
– Secure dashcam footage before it’s overwritten.

Case Example:
In a recent case, we sent a spoliation letter within hours of being retained. The trucking company had already deleted the dashcam footage, but our letter proved they knew about the claim. The judge issued an adverse inference instruction, and we secured a $3.2 million settlement.

4. We Have the Resources to Fight Big Trucking Companies

Trucking cases are expensive to litigate. We have the resources to:
– Hire top expert witnesses (accident reconstruction, medical, economic)
– Conduct thorough investigations (vehicle inspections, data retrieval)
– Take your case to trial if necessary

Our Track Record:
– $50+ million recovered for Texas families
– Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases
– Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

5. We Treat You Like Family

We understand that you’re going through one of the hardest times of your life. We:
– Answer your calls 24/7
– Keep you informed every step of the way
– Fight for maximum compensation
– Never settle for less than you deserve

What Our Clients Say:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

6. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Many trucking accident victims in Seguin, Guadalupe County, Texas speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Bottom Line: You Deserve Justice

The fatal rear-end collision on West Loop 1604 North is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by commercial trucks. When negligence takes a life, the responsible parties must be held accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25+ years fighting for trucking accident victims. We know how to:
– Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
– Prove negligence using FMCSA regulations, electronic data, and expert testimony
– Hold all responsible parties accountable—not just the driver
– Maximize your recovery through aggressive negotiation and litigation

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you don’t have to fight alone. We’re here to help.

Why Waiting Could Cost You Everything

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
• ELD Logs: May be retained for only 6 months.
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Maintenance Records: Can be destroyed after 1 year.
• Witness Memories: Fade significantly within weeks.

2. Insurance Companies Move Quickly

• They’ll contact you within hours of the accident.
• Their goal is to minimize your claim—not compensate you fairly.
• They’ll offer a lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages.

3. Legal Deadlines Are Strict

• 2 years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas.
• 90 days or less to file a claim against a government entity.
• Missing these deadlines means losing your right to sue forever.

Final Thoughts: Justice Starts with One Call

The fatal rear-end collision on West Loop 1604 North didn’t have to happen. It was preventable. Whether the cause was driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, or mechanical failure, one thing is clear: someone was negligent.

At Attorney911, we believe that negligence has consequences. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners, pressure drivers, and ignore safety regulations. We’ve seen the devastation it causes families. And we’ve seen the difference that holding them accountable can make.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you deserve justice. You deserve closure. You deserve financial security for your family’s future.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Attorney911 — Fighting for Justice, One Case at a Time.