18-Wheeler Accidents in Selma, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Selma, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. These accidents aren’t just bigger car crashes—they involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and trucking companies with teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Selma truck accident victims for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Selma’s Trucking Corridors Are Especially Dangerous

Selma sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s freight network. Interstate 35 runs just east of Selma, connecting San Antonio to Austin and serving as one of the busiest trucking corridors in the United States. This NAFTA route carries massive volumes of commercial traffic, including:

• Cross-border freight from Mexico
• Automotive parts for Texas’s growing manufacturing sector
• Agricultural products from the Hill Country
• Retail goods for San Antonio’s distribution centers

The nearby FM 3009 and FM 1103 also see heavy truck traffic serving local businesses and the growing residential communities in Selma and surrounding areas. These roads weren’t designed for the volume of commercial traffic they now carry, making them particularly hazardous for passenger vehicles sharing the road with 80,000-pound trucks.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler weighing up to 40 times more than your car collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal:

• A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• The average car needs only 300 feet to stop
• At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck carries 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car

This disparity explains why:

• 76% of people killed in large truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles
• Over 5,100 people die in truck crashes annually in the U.S.
• More than 125,000 people are injured in truck accidents each year

In Selma and Comal County, we see these statistics come to life far too often. The injuries we see from Selma trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from violent impacts
• Spinal cord damage often resulting in paralysis
• Amputations from crushing forces
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures
• Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Wrongful death of entire families in an instant

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Selma

Our Selma truck accident attorneys have handled virtually every type of commercial vehicle crash. Some of the most common—and most dangerous—accidents we see in the Selma area include:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common on I-35’s curves and during sudden braking.

Causes: Sudden braking, wet roads, improperly loaded cargo, brake failures
Evidence we gather: Skid mark analysis, brake inspection records, ELD data

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof. These are among the most fatal truck accidents.

Types:

• Rear underride (when a truck stops suddenly)
• Side underride (when a truck turns across traffic)

Critical evidence: Underride guard condition, lighting compliance, crash dynamics

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo across multiple lanes.

Common on: I-35 exit ramps, FM 3009 curves, and during sudden lane changes
Causes: Speeding on curves, improperly secured cargo, liquid loads shifting

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks require dramatically longer stopping distances than cars. When they fail to stop in time, the results are devastating.

Causes: Following too closely, driver distraction, brake failures, fatigue
Evidence: ECM data showing following distance, cell phone records

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Common locations: Selma intersections, shopping center entrances
Prevention: Proper mirror checks, turn signals, and safe turning techniques

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have four massive blind spots—called “No-Zones”—where the driver cannot see other vehicles.

The No-Zones:

• Front: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• Rear: 30 feet behind the trailer
• Left side: From the cab door backward
• Right side: From the cab door backward (largest blind spot)

Tire Blowout Accidents

Selma’s heat and long highway stretches create perfect conditions for tire blowouts, which can cause loss of control.

Causes: Underinflation, overloading, worn tires, road debris
Evidence: Tire maintenance records, failed tire analysis

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes.

Causes: Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, air brake system failures
Evidence: Maintenance records, post-crash brake inspection

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit or spill onto roadways.

Common in Selma: Agricultural loads, construction materials, retail goods
Evidence: Loading records, securement documentation

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Selma Truck Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties may share liability for your injuries. Our Selma truck accident lawyers investigate every potentially responsible party, including:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violations of traffic laws

Evidence we pursue: ELD data, cell phone records, drug/alcohol tests, driving history

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the deepest pockets in these cases. They can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

• The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when the accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or qualifications
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety or cargo securement training
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

Evidence we pursue: Driver Qualification Files, training records, dispatch logs, maintenance records, safety policies

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Evidence we pursue: Shipping contracts, bills of lading, loading instructions

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Evidence we pursue: Loading procedures, securement documentation, weight records

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Evidence we pursue: Recall notices, similar defect complaints, design specifications

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

Evidence we pursue: Failed component analysis, recall history, manufacturing records

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

Evidence we pursue: Work orders, mechanic qualifications, parts used

8. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Evidence we pursue: Broker-carrier agreements, selection criteria, carrier safety records

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver unfitness

Evidence we pursue: Lease agreements, maintenance responsibility allocations

10. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

Special considerations: Sovereign immunity limits government liability in Texas, and strict notice requirements apply.

The Critical Evidence in Your Selma Truck Accident Case

Trucking accident cases hinge on evidence—particularly electronic evidence that trucking companies would prefer to destroy. Our Selma truck accident attorneys move quickly to preserve:

Electronic Evidence (Must Be Preserved Immediately)

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
• GPS/Telematics: Show the truck’s exact location and route history
• Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing video evidence
• Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
• Dispatch Communications: Show schedule pressure and instructions

Critical timing: Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification
• Driving Record: Previous violations and accidents
• Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
• Training Records: Safety and cargo securement training
• Previous Employer Verification: 3-year driving history investigation

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and Repair Records: Show deferred maintenance and known issues
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations that weren’t fixed
• Tire Records: Replacement history and maintenance
• Brake Inspection Records: Adjustment and repair history

Company Records

• Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to the accident
• Dispatch Logs: Trip records and schedule pressure
• Safety Policies: Company safety procedures
• CSA Scores: Carrier’s safety compliance history
• Insurance Policies: Coverage details and limits

FMCSA Regulations: The Legal Foundation of Your Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. The most important FMCSA regulations in Selma truck accident cases include:

Part 391: Driver Qualification

• § 391.11: Minimum driver qualifications (age, language, physical ability)
• § 391.21: Employment application requirements
• § 391.41: Physical qualification standards
• § 391.51: Driver Qualification File requirements

How violations help your case: If the trucking company failed to properly vet the driver, maintain a DQ file, or ensure medical fitness, they can be liable for negligent hiring.

Part 392: Driving Rules

• § 392.3: Prohibits operating while fatigued or ill
• § 392.4: Prohibits drug use while driving
• § 392.5: Alcohol restrictions (no use within 4 hours of driving)
• § 392.6: Speeding restrictions
• § 392.11: Following too closely
• § 392.82: Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use

How violations help your case: These regulations establish clear standards of care. Violations prove negligence.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.75: Tire requirements (tread depth, condition)
• § 393.86: Rear impact guard requirements (underride protection)
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement standards

How violations help your case: Equipment failures like brake malfunctions or cargo spills often result from violations of these regulations.

Part 395: Hours of Service

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly limits with 34 consecutive hours off

How violations help your case: Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. HOS violations prove the driver was too tired to operate safely.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

• § 396.3: Systematic inspection and maintenance requirements
• § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
• § 396.13: Driver pre-trip inspection requirements
• § 396.17: Annual inspection requirements

How violations help your case: Poor maintenance is a factor in many truck accidents. Maintenance records can prove the company knew about and ignored safety issues.

The Most Common FMCSA Violations in Selma Truck Accidents

Our Selma truck accident attorneys see the same violations time and again. The most common FMCSA violations that cause accidents include:

1. Hours of Service Violations (driving beyond legal limits)
2. False Log Entries (lying about driving time)
3. Brake System Deficiencies (worn or improperly adjusted brakes)
4. Cargo Securement Failures (improper tiedowns, shifting loads)
5. Unqualified Drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
6. Drug/Alcohol Violations (operating under the influence)
7. Mobile Phone Use (texting or hand-held phone use while driving)
8. Failure to Inspect (no pre-trip inspection, ignored defects)
9. Improper Lighting (non-functioning lights, missing reflectors)
10. Negligent Hiring (incomplete background checks, poor driving records)

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Selma

The actions you take in the minutes and hours after a truck accident can make or break your case. Follow these steps:

At the Scene

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain.
3. Document everything – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
   • Your injuries
   • Street signs and traffic signals
   • The truck and trailer (including DOT number and company name)
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name and contact information
   • Insurance information for all parties
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Do NOT – Give recorded statements to any insurance company
   • Admit fault or apologize
   • Discuss your injuries or how the accident happened

After Leaving the Scene

1. Follow up with medical treatment – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
2. Document your injuries – Keep a journal of your pain levels, symptoms, and how the injuries affect your daily life
3. Preserve evidence – Save all medical records, bills, and correspondence related to the accident
4. Contact a Selma truck accident attorney – The sooner you call us, the sooner we can preserve critical evidence
5. Do NOT – Post about the accident on social media
   • Accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney
   • Sign anything from the insurance company

The Insurance Battle: How Trucking Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim

Trucking companies and their insurers have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize or deny legitimate claims. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tricks because he used them himself.

Common Insurance Tactics and Our Counter-Strategies

How Much Is Your Selma Truck Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because:

1. Higher insurance limits – Federal law requires $750,000 minimum coverage (often $1-5 million)
2. More severe injuries – The physics of truck crashes cause catastrophic damage
3. Multiple liable parties – More defendants means more insurance coverage

Factors That Determine Case Value

Typical Settlement Ranges for Selma Truck Accidents

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: What It Means for Your Case

In recent years, juries have been awarding massive verdicts against trucking companies—what the industry calls “nuclear verdicts.” These verdicts often exceed $10 million and sometimes reach into the hundreds of millions.

Recent Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

Why Juries Award Nuclear Verdicts

Juries hit trucking companies with massive verdicts when they find:

• Gross negligence – Conscious indifference to safety
• Pattern of violations – Repeated safety failures
• Evidence destruction – Spoliation of records
• Falsified logs – Hours of service violations
• Corporate culture – Prioritizing profit over safety
• Egregious conduct – Reckless disregard for human life

What This Means for Your Selma Case

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages—which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

The Legal Process: What to Expect in Your Selma Truck Accident Case

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We evaluate your case at no cost
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Answer all your questions

Step 2: Case Acceptance

• We accept cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
• We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence
• We begin gathering records and investigating

Step 3: Investigation

• Obtain police reports and accident scene evidence
• Subpoena black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs
• Interview witnesses
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts

Step 4: Medical Treatment

• We help you get the medical care you need
• Document all injuries and treatment
• Calculate future medical needs with life care planners

Step 5: Demand Letter

• We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
• Calculate all damages: medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering
• Demand full and fair compensation

Step 6: Negotiation

• We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
• Reject lowball offers
• Prepare for trial if necessary

Step 7: Litigation (If Needed)

• File lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Retain expert witnesses
• Prepare for trial

Step 8: Resolution

• Most cases settle before trial
• If necessary, we take your case to verdict
• We fight for maximum compensation

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Selma Truck Accident Case?

When you’re up against trucking companies with teams of lawyers, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to win. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Decades of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• A track record of holding major trucking companies accountable

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Evaluate claims
• Train their adjusters
• Minimize payouts
• Deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in every case.

3. Deep Familiarity with Selma’s Trucking Corridors

We know Selma’s highways, distribution centers, and accident patterns. We understand:

• The unique dangers of I-35 through Selma
• The local trucking routes serving area businesses
• The weigh stations and inspection points
• The local courts and judges

This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for Selma residents.

4. Comprehensive Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We know the federal trucking regulations inside and out. We can:

• Identify all potential FMCSA violations
• Use violations to prove negligence
• Counter insurance company arguments about compliance

5. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Demand immediate download of black box and ELD data
• Subpoena cell phone records
• Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
• Photograph vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped

6. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

7. Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means we can handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

8. Spanish-Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We provide direct representation without interpreters, serving Selma’s Hispanic community.

9. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

10. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We treat every client like family. As one client, Chad Harris, said:

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Selma Truck Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Selma?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get witness information, and contact an attorney immediately. Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company.

Who can I sue after a truck accident in Selma?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Selma?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

What is a truck’s “black box” and why is it important?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data, including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• GPS location

This data is critical evidence in proving what happened.

What are hours of service regulations?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Violations prove driver fatigue, a major cause of accidents.

How much is my Selma truck accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• Injury severity
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of negligence
• Available insurance

Trucking cases typically have higher values due to catastrophic injuries and higher insurance limits.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court, which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

How much does it cost to hire a Selma truck accident attorney?

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. We investigate thoroughly to determine what really happened.

Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Yes. We identify all potentially liable parties and all available insurance coverage. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants may still be liable.

What if I was injured in a truck accident while working?

Workers’ compensation may cover your medical expenses and lost wages, but you may also have a third-party claim against the trucking company or other liable parties. We can help you navigate both systems.

How long does a truck accident case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment through:

• Attorney-approved doctors who treat on a lien basis
• Medical payment coverage from your auto insurance
• Health insurance if you have it
• Medicaid or other government programs

Can I handle my truck accident case without an attorney?

Technically yes, but it’s extremely risky. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. Without an attorney, you’re at a severe disadvantage.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Early offers are almost always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth.

The Selma Truck Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Selma, Texas, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight for you. At Attorney911, we’ve been helping truck accident victims for over 25 years, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

We offer:

• Free consultations – No obligation, no cost
• Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
• Spanish-language services – Hablamos Español
• Compassionate, client-focused representation – You’re family to us

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Selma truck accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 now to protect your rights and preserve your evidence.

“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

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.