Tom Green County Truck Accident Lawyer
When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler slams into your car on US-67 or US-87 in Tom Green County, you don’t just have a traffic accident. You have a life-altering legal emergency. The impact force of a commercial truck is twenty times greater than a standard passenger vehicle, and the injuries that follow—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations—require more than just a typical lawyer. You need a fighter who has been in the ring with the world’s largest trucking companies and won. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years holding negligent carriers accountable. Our firm brings federal court experience and a proven track record of multi-million dollar settlements to every case in Tom Green County.
The trucking company that hit you has already started their defense. Before you even left the scene of the crash in Tom Green County, their rapid-response team was likely dispatched to protect the company’s profit. You deserve the same level of aggressive representation. At Attorney911, we move fast to lock down evidence before it disappears. Whether you were hit by an oilfield water truck, an Amazon delivery van, or a long-haul 18-wheeler, we know the tactics they use to hide the truth. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Experience Matters After a Tom Green County Trucking Accident
Trucking litigation is not like a standard car wreck case. These cases involve complex federal regulations, layers of corporate liability, and insurance policies worth millions of dollars. Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998, securing compensation for families devastated by corporate negligence. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, whose background in insurance defense gives our clients an “insider” advantage. He knows the playbook that trucking insurers use to minimize, delay, and deny claims in Tom Green County. We use that knowledge to stay three steps ahead of the defense.
Our firm is powerful and proven. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations including BP, Walmart, and Amazon. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of high-priced lawyers or their deep pockets. When we take a case in Tom Green County, we prepare it as if it’s going to trial from day one. That’s how we’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every family in Tom Green County with that same level of dedication and personal attention.
The Trucking Crisis in Tom Green County
Tom Green County serves as a critical crossroads for the Texas economy. With San Angelo as a regional hub, our roads are constantly filled with heavy commercial traffic. US-67 acts as a main artery for freight moving toward the Permian Basin, while US-87 and US-277 carry a constant stream of 18-wheelers, tankers, and delivery trucks. This volume of traffic, combined with the pressure of the oil and gas industry and the demand for fast e-commerce deliveries, has created a dangerous environment for Tom Green County families.
Every day, thousands of trucks pass through Tom Green County. Many of these vehicles are operated by drivers who are fatigued, distracted, or inadequately trained. When a trucking company prioritizes speed over safety on the roads of Tom Green County, the results are catastrophic. We’ve seen the aftermath of these crashes on our local highways—the multi-vehicle pileups, the rollovers, and the families left grieving because a corporation chose to cut corners. If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Oilfield Trucking Accidents in Tom Green County
Tom Green County sits at the eastern edge of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world. This proximity means our roads are shared with specialized oilfield vehicles that pose unique dangers. Water trucks, frac sand haulers, crude oil tankers, and crew vans move 24/7 to support drilling and completion operations. These aren’t standard 18-wheelers—they are industrial machines operating under extreme time pressure.
In the Tom Green County oil patch, driver fatigue is endemic. Frac operations run around the clock, and drivers often pull 14-hour shifts on two-lane FM roads that were never engineered for 80,000-pound loads. We hold companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Halliburton, and Schlumberger accountable when their trucks or their contractors cause harm. An oilfield truck accident isn’t just a traffic case; it’s often an OSHA violation case and a FMCSA violation case rolled into one. We understand the dual-jurisdiction nature of these accidents and know how to find the evidence of negligence hidden in dispatch logs and wellsite reports.
Corporate Fleet Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and Beyond
If you were hit by a branded delivery vehicle in Tom Green County—whether it was a Walmart tractor-trailer or an Amazon Prime van—the legal landscape changes immediately. These companies often use complex contractor structures to shield themselves from liability. Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to claim they aren’t responsible for the drivers who wear their uniforms and drive their vans. We know how to pierce that shield.
Amazon monitors their drivers in Tom Green County through Netradyne AI cameras and the Mentor app. They control the routes, the pace, and the delivery quotas. We argue that if they control the work, they are liable for the damage. Similarly, when a Walmart truck causes a crash, you are fighting a self-insured corporate giant. Walmart’s internal risk management team is trained to offer quick, lowball settlements before victims in Tom Green County realize the full extent of their injuries. Our former insurance defense perspective allows us to counter these tactics. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims because we know the true value of these claims and the depth of the insurance layers available.
Identifying the 16 Potentially Liable Parties
Most law firms only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we investigate the entire chain of responsibility to maximize your recovery in Tom Green County. There are often up to 16 different parties who may share liability for a single crash. Identifying these defendants is the difference between a minor settlement and a multi-million dollar recovery.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
- The Cargo Owner: If the freight was inherently dangerous or improperly disclosed.
- The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load, leading to a cargo shift or spill in Tom Green County.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect like a steering failure caused the wreck.
- The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or brake components.
- The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
- The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment of a dangerous vehicle.
- The Government Entity: If poor road design or maintenance on Tom Green County roads contributed to the crash.
- The Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: Like Amazon or Walmart, for exercising control over the operation.
- The Oilfield Operator: The E&P company that set the production schedule creating the risk.
- The Staffing Company: For providing unqualified or unlicensed drivers.
- The Rental Truck Company: Companies like U-Haul or Penske that rent to untrained drivers.
- The Transit Agency: For accidents involving city or charter buses in Tom Green County.
- The Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved, requiring a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
When we handle your case in Tom Green County, we subpoena the driver qualification files, the electronic logging device data, and the corporate contracts to find every dollar of insurance coverage available to you.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule
In Tom Green County, the first 48 hours after a truck accident are the most critical. While you are recovering at the hospital, the trucking company is already working to secure the evidence. Commercial trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box.” This device records your speed, the truck’s speed, when the driver hit the brakes, and whether they were accelerating at the moment of impact.
Here is the problem: this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Most trucking companies in Tom Green County only keep GPS and telematics data for a few months. If you don’t have a lawyer acting immediately, that evidence will be gone. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours of being hired to legally compel the trucking company to preserve the black box, the ELD logs, and the driver’s cell phone records. Don’t let your chance for justice disappear. Call (888) 288-9911 today.
Mechanics of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tom Green County
We handle every type of commercial vehicle crash on Tom Green County roads. Each type of accident has a unique mechanical cause and a specific set of regulations that were likely violated.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out and folds toward the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of US-67. This is usually caused by improper braking on a curve or slippery road. We examine 49 CFR § 393.48 violations to see if the braking system was properly adjusted.
Rollover Crashes
With a high center of gravity, oilfield tankers and 18-wheelers are prime candidates for rollovers in Tom Green County. If a driver takes a turn too fast on a rural road or if the cargo was improperly loaded (violating 49 CFR § 393.100), the truck can tip, crushing cars beneath it.
Underride Collisions
These are the deadliest crashes we see in Tom Green County. When a car slides under the trailer of a truck, the passenger compartment is often destroyed. We look for missing or defective Mansfield bars (rear guards) and investigate the trucking company for failing to maintain visible lighting per 49 CFR § 393.11.
Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents
A driver who fails to check their mirrors before changing lanes on US-87 is negligent. Trucks have massive blind spots, but that isn’t an excuse. We hold carriers liable for failing to equip vehicles with modern sensor technology and for negligent training.
Brake and Tire Failures
Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. If a trucking company skipped routine maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3) to save money, they are responsible for every injury that follows. We’ve recovered millions in cases involving defective tires and poorly maintained air brakes.
Commercial Vehicle Types We Handle in Tom Green County
Truck accident law isn’t just about big rigs. It covers every commercial vehicle that shares the road with your family. If the vehicle was being used for business purposes, higher insurance and safety standards apply.
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: These are among the heaviest vehicles in Tom Green County. An overloaded dump truck hauling gravel can weigh 60,000 pounds and has a massive stopping distance.
- Garbage and Waste Trucks: These vehicles operate in San Angelo neighborhoods around our children. Constant backing and tight turns lead to tragic pedestrian strikes.
- Rental/Moving Trucks: U-Haul and Penske rent 26,000-pound trucks to drivers with zero experience. We hold rental companies accountable for negligent entrustment and poor maintenance.
- Delivery Vans: Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vans are everywhere in Tom Green County. These drivers are under intense schedule pressure, leading to distracted driving and speeding.
- Buses and Transit Vehicles: Whether it’s a school bus or a charter motorcoach on I-20, transit crashes often involve dozens of injured victims.
The Financial Reality: Insurance and Damages
Trucking companies are required by federal law to carry significant insurance—far more than the $30,000 required for standard Texas drivers. Most 18-wheelers carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage. Oilfield tankers and HAZMAT haulers commonly seen in Tom Green County must carry at least $5 million.
Accessing this money is the challenge. Even in a clear-liability case, the insurance company will fight to pay you as little as possible. We calculate the full weight of your losses, including:
- Economic Damages: Past and future medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. For a young professional in Tom Green County who can no longer work, this loss can total millions.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. As Ralph Manginello often tells juries, this is about the loss of freedom caused by someone else’s carelessness.
- Punitive Damages: If we can prove gross negligence—like a trucking company that knowingly allowed a driver to stay on the road for 20 hours straight—we pursue punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from happening again.
Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Wrecks
The injuries sustained in a Tom Green County truck accident are often permanent. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims suffering from:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Cognitive deficits, mood changes, and memory loss that can require a lifetime of care. Our firm has seen TBI settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Paralysis changes everything. The lifetime medical cost for a quadriplegic can exceed $25 million.
- Amputation: Crushing forces in the cabin often lead to the loss of a limb. These cases require settlements that account for prosthetic replacements for the rest of your life.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in Tom Green County, we are deeply sorry. We fight to secure your family’s financial future by recovering for the loss of companionship, guidance, and income.
Hablamos Español: Lupe Peña and the Tom Green County Community
Entendemos que muchas víctimas de accidentes de camiones en el condado de Tom Green prefieren hablar en español. El abogado Lupe Peña es fluido en español y puede hablar directamente con usted sin necesidad de intérpretes. Él conoce cómo las compañías de seguros tratan de aprovecharse de las personas, y él luchará para proteger sus derechos. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
FAQ: Tom Green County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Tom Green County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, in trucking cases, you should not wait. Evidence disappears in 30 days, not two years.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a 51% bar rule for modified comparative negligence. This means that as long as you were not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
Most victims in Tom Green County use their health insurance or work with doctors on a “Letter of Protection.” We help coordinate your care so you can focus on healing without the stress of upfront bills.
Can I sue the parent company of the truck that hit me?
Yes. If an Amazon van hit you, we look to hold Amazon accountable, not just the driver. These large corporations have the resources to pay for the catastrophic damage they cause.
What is my truck accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement. The value depends on your medical expenses, your lost income, and the severity of your pain and suffering. Cases with permanent injuries often settle for seven figures due to the high insurance limits involved.
Our Results and Commitment to You
Attorney911 has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. We have achieved settlements including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury and $3.8+ million for an amputation case. But for us, it isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the people. As 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.” Other firms might reject your case because it’s “too hard” or against “too big” of a company. We don’t back down.
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the power to take your case into federal court if that’s where justice can be found. We investigate the ELD logs (49 CFR Part 395) to prove fatigue and the driver qualification files (49 CFR Part 391) to show high-risk hiring. We leave no stone unturned because we know what’s at stake for you.
Your Next Steps After a Tom Green County Truck Accident
The hours and days following a crash are a blur of pain, medical tests, and insurance phone calls. Make one call that levels the playing field. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer 24/7 availability because trucking emergencies don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule.
Don’t sign anything the insurance adjuster sends you. Don’t give a recorded statement. Allow us to take the weight off your shoulders. We will handle the investigators, the adjusters, and the documentation while you focus on getting your life back. From the highways of San Angelo to the lease roads of Tom Green County, we are here for you. No fee unless we win. Zero upfront costs. Let’s start your fight for justice today.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Powerful. Proven. For Tom Green County.
1-888-ATTY-911