24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog |

Texas Truck Accident Lawyers for Oilfield & Commercial Vehicle Crashes — Attorney911 (The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC) Fights Halliburton Water Tankers, Schlumberger Sand Haulers, Baker Hughes Fleet Trucks, Walmart 18-Wheelers, and Every Corporate Defendant on SH 285, US 285, I-20, and I-10 Across the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford, Ralph Manginello’s 27+ Years of Federal-Court Trial Experience Including BP Explosion Litigation, Lupe Peña’s Former Insurance Defense Background Beats Great West Casualty, Zurich, and Self-Insured Corporate Claims Teams, We Extract Samsara, Motive, and Qualcomm OmniTRACS ELD Data Before the 30-Day Overwrite, 80,000-Pound Semis to Dump Trucks to Hazmat Tankers ($5M Class A Federal Insurance Floor), TBI ($5M+ Recovered), Burns, Amputation ($3.8M+), and Wrongful Death, OSHA + FMCSA Dual Jurisdiction for Oilfield Crashes, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Hablamos Español, 1-888-ATTY-911

May 14, 2026 27 min read
texas-featured-image.png

Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Houston, Texas: What Families Need to Know in the First 48 Hours

You are reading this because someone you love did not come home. An eighty-thousand-pound tractor-trailer changed everything for your family on a corridor most Houstonians drive every day without thinking about it. Interstate 10, Interstate 45, U.S. 59, the Sam Houston Tollway, the Hardy Toll Road, State Highway 225 along refinery row — these are not just roads. They are the freight arteries that keep Houston running, and the carriers that operate them count on the familiarity of these corridors to mask what the data shows about fatal-crash density on the stretch through your county.

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 has already started a clock that does not stop while you grieve. You have two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action. Not the day of the funeral. Not the day of the autopsy report. Not the day the police report is finalized. The day of the crash. Under Section 71.004, you — as the surviving spouse, the surviving child, the surviving parent — hold an independent statutory claim. So does your loved one’s estate, under Section 71.021, for the conscious pain and mental anguish suffered between injury and death. Three statutory tracks, one two-year clock.

The carrier whose driver killed your family member has lawyers who have been working since the night of the wreck. The longer you wait, the more evidence the carrier controls — the electronic logging device under 49 C.F.R. Part 395, the dashcam, the maintenance records under Part 396, the driver-qualification file under Part 391 — and the more of it disappears. We send the preservation letter that locks it down. We pull the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program record on the driver and the Safety Measurement System profile on the carrier before discovery formally opens. We know what the Pattern Jury Charge will ask in Harris County District Court, and we build the case for those questions from the first investigator we send to the scene.

The Reality of an 18-Wheeler Crash on Houston’s Freight Corridors

Houston runs on freight. Six million people, Interstate 10 west to San Antonio and east to Louisiana, Interstate 45 north to Dallas, U.S. 59 northeast to the Golden Triangle, U.S. 290 northwest to the Hill Country, and the Sam Houston Tollway encircling all of it. When the eighteen-wheeler crashed into your family on the Katy Freeway, on the Gulf Freeway, on the North Freeway, or on the East Freeway during the morning surge into the Energy Corridor or the Texas Medical Center or downtown, the carrier was likely running for one of the major long-haul interstate freight operators, or the Amazon Delivery Service Partner structure, or the FedEx Ground independent-contractor network, or one of the regional less-than-truckload carriers serving the Port of Houston container traffic.

Harris County recorded 115,173 crashes in 2024 — one in five Texas crashes — and 498 of them were fatal. The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System shows that the most dangerous stretches for commercial vehicles in Harris County are:

  • Interstate 10 between Beltway 8 and the I-610 West Loop – stop-and-go congestion during the morning and evening commutes routinely backs up traffic between the Energy Corridor and downtown, creating conditions where rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes are not statistical anomalies but daily events.
  • Interstate 45 between downtown and Beltway 8 – the North Freeway corridor carries some of the highest commercial-vehicle volume in the state, with known hazardous intersections at I-45 and FM 1960, I-45 and Rankin Road, and I-45 and Airtex Drive.
  • State Highway 225 between Pasadena and the Houston Ship Channel – the refinery-row corridor carries the densest tanker and hazmat traffic in Texas, and the corridor’s elevated commercial-vehicle fatality rate is documented in TxDOT’s annual safety reporting.

When a fully loaded tractor-trailer runs a yield on a feeder road in Houston, the physics of an eighty-thousand-pound vehicle at highway speed leave no time for the driver of a passenger vehicle to react. A semi-truck crash at those weights is not a fender-bender — it is a closing-speed event that frequently produces fatalities and catastrophic injuries. Whether you call it a semi, a tractor-trailer, or an eighteen-wheeler, the legal exposure of the motor carrier under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations is identical, and the depth of investigation required to prove how the crash actually happened is the same.

What Texas Wrongful-Death and Survival Statutes Give Your Family

Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.001, a wrongful-death action is available when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default of another. For families in Houston, this means that the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the decedent each hold an independent claim under Section 71.004. The estate also holds a separate survival action under Section 71.021 for the pain and mental anguish the decedent endured between injury and death.

Wrongful-Death Claims (Section 71.004)

  • Surviving spouse – loss of companionship, society, love, emotional support, and consortium.
  • Surviving children – loss of parental guidance, support, and inheritance.
  • Surviving parents – loss of companionship, society, and love.

Survival Action (Section 71.021)

  • The estate’s claim for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering, medical expenses incurred before death, and funeral expenses.

A multi-fatality family crash in Houston is not one case — it is a coordinated set of statutory claims that have to be filed within the two-year window of Section 16.003 or they die procedurally. The damages categories under Texas Pattern Jury Charges include:

  • Past and future medical care – everything from the field-triage ambulance bill through the trauma-bay resuscitation at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center or Ben Taub General Hospital, the surgical interventions, the inpatient stay, the rehabilitation.
  • Past and future lost earnings and lost earning capacity – not just the paychecks already missed, but the entire career trajectory the decedent lost.
  • Past and future physical pain – the conscious pain and suffering endured between injury and death.
  • Past and future mental anguish – the emotional distress suffered by the decedent and the surviving family members.
  • Past and future physical impairment – the loss of enjoyment of life and the ability to engage in daily activities.
  • Past and future disfigurement – permanent scars, amputations, or other visible injuries.
  • Loss of consortium – the loss of love, companionship, comfort, and society for the surviving spouse.
  • Loss of companionship and society – for surviving parents and children.
  • Pecuniary loss – the financial support the decedent would have provided to the family.
  • Exemplary damages – where gross negligence is established by clear and convincing evidence under Chapter 41.

The Federal Regulations the Carrier Is Supposed to Operate Under

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) govern every aspect of commercial trucking in the United States. For Houston families, these regulations are the spine of the case against the carrier. Key provisions include:

Driver Qualification (49 C.F.R. Part 391)

  • The carrier must maintain a driver qualification file for each driver, including:
    • The driver’s application for employment.
    • The driver’s road test or equivalent.
    • The driver’s medical examiner’s certificate.
    • The driver’s motor vehicle record (MVR) from every state where the driver held a license in the past three years.
    • The driver’s record of violations of motor vehicle laws and ordinances.
  • The carrier must verify the driver’s employment history for the past three years (49 C.F.R. § 391.23).

Hours of Service (49 C.F.R. Part 395)

  • Property-carrying commercial drivers are limited to:
    • 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour duty window.
    • 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new duty window.
    • 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.
  • The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate under 49 C.F.R. Part 395 Subpart B requires carriers to use ELDs to record drivers’ hours of service. These devices are tamper-resistant and provide an accurate record of driving time.

Vehicle Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (49 C.F.R. Part 396)

  • Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial motor vehicles under their control.
  • Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects or deficiencies (49 C.F.R. § 396.13).
  • Carriers must maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for at least one year (49 C.F.R. § 396.3).

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 C.F.R. Part 382)

  • Carriers must conduct pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers.
  • A driver who tests positive for drugs or alcohol is immediately removed from safety-sensitive functions and must complete a return-to-duty process before being allowed to drive again.

Insurance Requirements (49 C.F.R. § 387.7)

  • The minimum liability insurance for non-hazmat interstate freight carriers is $750,000.
  • For passenger-carrying vehicles with 16 or more seats, the minimum is $1,000,000.
  • For Class A hazmat carriers, the minimum is $5,000,000.

The Investigation We Begin Within 48 Hours

Within hours of a serious commercial-vehicle crash in Houston, we send a preservation letter to the motor carrier, the broker, the shipper, and any third-party telematics provider. That letter identifies the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), the electronic logging device (ELD) under 49 C.F.R. Part 395 Subpart B, the dashcam footage, the dispatch communications, the Qualcomm or PeopleNet telematics feed, the maintenance records, the driver-qualification file under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51, the prior preventability determinations, the post-accident drug and alcohol screens under 49 C.F.R. § 382.303, and any Form MCS-90 endorsement on the policy. We put the carrier on notice that spoliation will be argued — and an adverse inference charge sought — if any of that disappears.

By the time the defense files its answer, the record is locked. Here’s what we do in the first 48 hours:

  1. Send the preservation letter – We identify every piece of evidence the carrier controls and demand that it be preserved. This includes the ECM data, ELD logs, dashcam footage, dispatch records, maintenance files, and driver qualification files.
  2. Pull the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record – This report provides a history of the driver’s crashes, inspections, and violations from the past five years.
  3. Pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile – The SMS tracks the carrier’s safety performance across seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs):
    • Unsafe Driving
    • Hours-of-Service Compliance
    • Driver Fitness
    • Controlled Substances/Alcohol
    • Vehicle Maintenance
    • Hazardous Materials Compliance
    • Crash Indicator
  4. Open the FMCSA SAFER profile – This provides basic information about the carrier, including its USDOT number, operating status, and safety rating.
  5. Identify all potentially liable parties – This includes the driver, the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, the parts manufacturer, and any governmental entity whose negligence contributed to the crash.

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0 to 72 Hours)

  • Accept the case and send preservation letters the same day.
  • Deploy an accident-reconstruction expert to the scene if needed.
  • Obtain the police crash report.
  • Photograph client injuries with medical documentation.
  • Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped.
  • Identify all potentially liable parties.

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1 to 30)

  • Subpoena ELD and black-box data downloads.
  • Request the driver’s paper log books (backup documentation).
  • Obtain the complete Driver Qualification File from the carrier.
  • Request all truck maintenance and inspection records.
  • Obtain the carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history.
  • Order the driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
  • Subpoena the driver’s cell phone records.
  • Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules.
  • Pull surveillance footage from businesses near the scene before auto-deletion.

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

  • An accident reconstruction specialist creates a crash analysis.
  • Medical experts establish causation and future-care needs.
  • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity.
  • Economic experts determine the present value of all damages.
  • Life-care planners develop detailed care plans for catastrophic injuries.
  • FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations.

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

  • File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires (Texas: 2 years).
  • Pursue full discovery against all potentially liable parties.
  • Depose the truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel.
  • Build the case for trial while negotiating settlement from a position of strength.
  • Prepare every case as if going to trial — that creates negotiating strength.

The Defendants Beyond the Driver

In a fatal 18-wheeler crash in Houston, the universe of defendants extends far beyond the driver behind the wheel. The motor carrier employer is exposed under respondeat superior and direct negligence for hiring, training, supervision, and dispatch decisions. The freight broker that arranged the load — under cases like Miller v. C.H. Robinson — may be exposed for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier. The shipper who specified the loading sequence, the maintenance contractor responsible for the truck’s brakes or tires, the parts manufacturer of a failed component, the road designer or Texas Department of Transportation if a deficient roadway feature contributed, the municipality if a signal-timing or signage failure contributed, the carrier’s primary and excess insurers under direct-action principles where the policy permits, the parent corporation if alter-ego or single-business-enterprise doctrine reaches it, and the loading crew at the terminal of origin if loading violated 49 C.F.R. Part 177 hazmat handling rules.

A fatal 18-wheeler case in Houston is a coordinated multi-defendant investigation. The carrier counts on plaintiffs’ counsel who only sue the driver. We start at the corporate parent and work down.

Common Defendants in Houston Trucking Cases

  • The commercial driver – The individual behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
  • The motor carrier employer – The company that employs the driver and operates the truck.
  • The freight broker – The company that arranged the load, which may be liable for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
  • The shipper – The company that hired the carrier to transport goods, which may be liable if it directed unsafe loading or scheduling.
  • The maintenance contractor – The company responsible for inspecting and repairing the truck.
  • The parts manufacturer – The company that manufactured a defective part, such as brakes, tires, or steering components.
  • The road designer or Texas Department of Transportation – If a deficient roadway feature contributed to the crash.
  • The municipality – If a signal-timing or signage failure contributed to the crash.
  • The carrier’s insurers – The primary and excess insurers under direct-action principles where applicable.
  • The parent corporation – If alter-ego or single-business-enterprise doctrine applies.

The Defense Playbook in Houston Trucking Cases — and Our Answer

The carrier’s defense lawyer in a Houston trucking case has a script. The driver was professional. The crash was unavoidable. The injured plaintiff was partly at fault. Discovery is overbroad. The hours-of-service log shows compliance. The dashcam shows nothing material. We have heard every line of that script before we walk into the courtroom.

Here’s how we rebut the most common defenses:

1. “The Driver Was Professional and the Crash Was Unavoidable”

The carrier will argue that the driver did everything right and the crash was unavoidable. We counter with:

  • The hours-of-service logs – The ELD data does not lie, but drivers and companies have found ways to manipulate it. We subpoena the raw electronic data, cross-reference it with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data, and look for discrepancies.
  • The maintenance records – If the brakes failed or the tires blew out, we investigate whether the carrier followed 49 C.F.R. Part 396 for vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance.
  • The driver’s qualification file – We look for prior violations, preventability determinations, or falsified records that the carrier ignored.

2. “The Injured Plaintiff Was Partly at Fault”

Texas follows modified comparative negligence under Chapter 33 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. This means that a plaintiff can recover only if they are 50% or less at fault. The carrier will argue that you were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or changed lanes improperly.

Our answer:

  • Even at 50% fault, you can recover under Texas law.
  • We anticipate this attack and develop evidence that pushes fault back where it belongs — on the carrier’s driver and the carrier’s decisions.

3. “Discovery Is Overbroad”

The carrier will argue that our discovery requests are too broad and burdensome. We counter with:

  • Motion practice – We file motions to compel and limit overbroad discovery requests while preserving every record we need.
  • Focused requests – We tailor our discovery to the specific facts of the case, ensuring we get the evidence we need without unnecessary burdens on the carrier.

4. “The Hours-of-Service Log Shows Compliance”

The carrier will argue that the driver’s logs show compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations. We counter with:

  • ELD data analysis – We subpoena the raw ELD data and cross-reference it with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data to identify discrepancies.
  • Dispatch records – We review the carrier’s dispatch records to see if the driver was pressured to meet unrealistic delivery schedules.

5. “The Dashcam Shows Nothing Material”

The carrier will argue that the dashcam footage shows nothing material. We counter with:

  • Expert analysis – We have the dashcam footage analyzed by accident reconstruction experts to identify any signs of negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to maintain a safe following distance.
  • Cross-referencing with other evidence – We cross-reference the dashcam footage with ELD data, dispatch records, and witness statements to build a complete picture of what happened.

The Two-Year Clock Under Section 16.003

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives you exactly two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action. That clock runs whether or not the carrier’s insurer is returning calls. Once it runs, the case dies procedurally, and the carrier walks away from a viable claim because the file was never opened.

We never approach a case assuming the clock can be extended. The two-year window is absolute. Here’s what it means for your family:

  • The clock starts on the day of the crash – Not the day of the funeral, not the day of the autopsy report, not the day the police report is finalized.
  • The clock runs for every claim – Each surviving spouse, child, and parent has an independent claim under Section 71.004, and the estate has a separate survival action under Section 71.021. Each claim has its own two-year clock.
  • The clock does not stop for grief – The carrier’s insurer is counting on your family needing more time than the statute provides. The statute does not care about grief.

How Attorney 911 Approaches Your Houston Case

Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims in Harris County courtrooms since 1998. He grew up in Houston’s Memorial area, went to UT Austin, and has spent his career fighting for families in communities like yours. When your case is filed in Harris County District Court, Ralph’s 27+ years and federal court admission mean he is standing in a courtroom he knows — not one he is visiting.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who now fights for you. Lupe understands claim valuation — he calculated them himself. Having a former defense attorney is an unfair advantage for our clients. We know their tactics because Lupe used them for years.

Our Process for Houston Families

  1. Immediate Response – We accept the case and send preservation letters the same day to lock down evidence before it disappears.
  2. Evidence Gathering – We subpoena ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and driver qualification files. We pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System profile and the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program record.
  3. Expert Analysis – We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, vocational experts, and life-care planners to build a strong case.
  4. Litigation Strategy – We file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires and pursue full discovery against all liable parties.
  5. Negotiation and Trial – We negotiate from a position of strength and prepare every case as if going to trial.

Why Choose Attorney 911?

  • We sue trucking companies, not just drivers – We pursue every liable party, including the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the maintenance contractor, and the parts manufacturer.
  • We know the federal regulations cold – We understand the FMCSR and how to use it to prove negligence per se under Texas law.
  • We anticipate the defense playbook – Lupe Peña worked for years on the defense side. He knows how carriers value claims and how they try to minimize payouts.
  • We have recovered millions for Houston families – Every case is unique, but our track record speaks for itself. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they demonstrate our commitment to fighting for every client.

Documented Case Results (Exact Quotes Only)

  • Logging Brain Injury — $5+ Million – “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.” Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
  • Car Accident Amputation — $3.8+ Million – “In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.” Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
  • Trucking Wrongful Death — Millions – “At Attorney 911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.” Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
  • Maritime Jones Act Back Injury — $2+ Million – “In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.” Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
  • BP Texas City Explosion Litigation – “Our firm is one of the few firms in Texas to be involved in BP explosion litigation.” Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Client Testimonials (With Names)

  • Brian Butchee – “Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.”
  • Stephanie Hernandez – “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
  • Chelsea Martinez – “Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.”
  • Dame Haskett – “Consistent communication and not one time did i call and not get a clear answer…Ralph reached out personally.”
  • Ambur Hamilton – “I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.”
  • Chad Harris – “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
  • Diane Smith – “They went above and beyond! Special thank you to Ralph and Leanor.”
  • Donald Wilcox – “One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello…I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
  • Tymesha Galloway – “Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.”
  • Hannah Garcia – “Mariela and Zulema have done such a fantastic job…gone above and beyond to get my case settled quickly!”
  • Nina Graeter – “Highly recommend! They moved fast and handled my case very efficiently.”
  • Tracey White – “She had received a offer but she told me to give her one more week because she knew she could get a better offer.”
  • Chavodrian Miles – “Leonor got me into the doctor the same day…it only took 6 months amazing.”
  • Mongo Slade – “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work…I also got a very nice settlement.”
  • Kiimarii Yup – “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
  • Greg Garcia – “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
  • Madison Wallace – “Leonor is absolutely phenomenal. She truly cares about her clients.”
  • Beth Bonds – “Ralph Manginello took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.”
  • CON3531 – “They took over my case from another lawyer and got to working on my case.”
  • Angel Walle – “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
  • Maria Ramirez – “The support provided at Manginello Law Firm was excellent…They worked hard to do their best.”
  • Eduard Marin – “Thank you for your excellent work; I highly recommend you.”
  • Celia Dominguez – “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
  • Miguel J. Mayo Bermudez – “Melani, thank you for your excellent work.”
  • S M – “Attorney Manginello is so knowledgeable but straight to the point…responded quickly even while he was away.”
  • Ken Taylor – “He listened intently heard my concerns and issues and immediately began working to protect my rights.”
  • Jamin Marroquin – “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”
  • AMAZIAH A.T – “Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had..He cares greatly about his results.”
  • Manraj – “Ralph has kept me up to date on the case, checked in on me.”
  • Cassie Wright – “Ralph is an AMAZING ATTORNEY. I have used him 2 TIMES FOR 2 separate cases the first case he got me an OFF DOCKET DISSMISSAL! And the other only 10 months probation. He gets the JOB DONE RIGHT!!!!”
  • Dean Jones – “Best lawyers in the city…fast return..and they really care about their clients.”
  • Monty Cazier – “Very professional and got good results.”
  • Bill Spragg – “Mr. Manginello got us a nice result in my wife’s injury.”
  • Ernest Cano – “Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
  • Glenda Walker – “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
  • Kiwi Potato – “This place feels like having a family over your case. And communication with you every step of the way. That’s how you know you’re in good hands.”
  • Jacqueline Johnson – “One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
  • Erica Perales – “You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong.”

What This Means for Your Family

Losing a loved one in a fatal 18-wheeler crash in Houston is not an event that ends at the funeral. It begins a years-long fight against a motor carrier whose first instinct will be to argue that the driver did everything right, that the loss was somehow shared with the person who is no longer here to answer, and that the settlement should reflect “reasonable” compensation. We have read those defense playbooks. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 71.004, surviving spouses, children, and parents each hold an independent wrongful-death claim, and we file them that way — not as a single family unit the carrier can buy out cheaply, but as the separately recognized statutory claimants Texas law makes them.

The carrier’s insurer is calculating you as a settlement risk. We are calculating the carrier as a defendant. The difference is the depth of the investigation, the breadth of the liable parties we name, and the commitment to holding every responsible actor accountable.

The Next Step: Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death action. The clock is running. The carrier’s lawyers are already working. The evidence is at risk every day that passes without a preservation letter.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 with live staff — not an answering service. We will send the preservation letter, pull the FMCSA records, and start building your case immediately. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses, but we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña maneja su caso personalmente. Su estatus migratorio NO importa — usted tiene derechos.

Attorney 911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1177 West Loop South, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 528-9070
ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
https://attorney911.com/

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact us for a free consultation about your specific situation.

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911