18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Village of The Hills, Texas

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Village of The Hills, Texas, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents catastrophic, often resulting in life-altering injuries or even wrongful death. At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Every year, thousands of serious trucking accidents occur on Texas highways, and Village of The Hills is no exception. The I-35 corridor that runs through our region sees heavy commercial traffic, including trucks carrying goods to and from Austin, San Antonio, and beyond. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are devastating.

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, etc.)
• Complex federal trucking regulations
• Higher insurance policy limits ($750,000 to $5 million)
• Specialized evidence that disappears quickly
• Catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Village of The Hills

Our attorneys have handled trucking accident cases throughout Village of The Hills and Central Texas, and we’ve seen how these crashes happen:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents are particularly common on Village of The Hills’ highways during sudden braking or when drivers take curves too quickly, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most deadly trucking accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Village of The Hills has seen its share of these tragic accidents, particularly at intersections and during sudden stops.

Tire Blowouts

Texas heat and long stretches of highway make tire blowouts a significant risk. When a truck tire fails, the driver may lose control, causing the truck to swerve into other lanes or even roll over. The debris from blown tires can also strike other vehicles, causing additional accidents.

Brake Failures

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents. Fully loaded trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When brakes fail due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, the results can be catastrophic, especially on Village of The Hills’ hilly terrain.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a major factor in trucking accidents. Federal hours-of-service regulations limit how long drivers can operate, but many companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing reaction time and decision-making.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face many distractions: cell phones, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and in-cab electronics. When drivers take their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they can travel hundreds of feet without looking, creating deadly situations on Village of The Hills’ busy highways.

Improper Cargo Loading

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable. This can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills that create hazards for other motorists. Village of The Hills’ position as a distribution hub means we see many cargo-related accidents.

Catastrophic Injuries from Trucking Accidents

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents are often severe and life-changing:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive function, memory, speech, and personality. Many TBI victims require lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, home modifications, and ongoing care.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents may require surgical amputation of limbs. Amputees face significant physical and emotional challenges, along with the need for prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazardous material spills, and electrical fires can cause severe burns. Burn victims often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their loss.

Why You Need an Experienced Village of The Hills Trucking Accident Attorney

Trucking accident cases are complex and require specialized knowledge. Insurance companies and trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need an attorney who understands:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA)
• Texas trucking laws and statutes of limitations
• The unique aspects of Village of The Hills’ trucking corridors
• How to preserve and analyze black box data
• The tactics used by trucking company lawyers
• How to calculate the full value of your damages

At Attorney911, we have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex trucking accident cases. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for accident victims, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Village of The Hills

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries.
4. Get Information – Collect the truck driver’s name, CDL number, trucking company information, and insurance details.
5. Talk to Witnesses – Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
6. Don’t Give Statements – Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal representation.
7. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How We Investigate Trucking Accidents

Our investigation process is thorough and immediate:

Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. This includes:

• Black box/ECM data
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Dashcam footage
• GPS and telematics data
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files

Accident Reconstruction

We work with expert accident reconstructionists to determine exactly what happened. They analyze:

• Skid marks and road conditions
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Black box data
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage

Compliance Review

We examine whether the trucking company and driver complied with federal regulations, including:

• Hours of service (HOS) requirements
• Driver qualification standards
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection rules
• Cargo securement regulations
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements

Liability Analysis

We identify all potentially liable parties, which may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• The truck or trailer manufacturer
• The manufacturer of defective parts
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• Government entities (for road defects)

Compensation Available in Trucking Accident Cases

In Texas, accident victims may be entitled to various types of compensation:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Village of The Hills Trucking Corridors We Know

Our attorneys are familiar with the trucking corridors serving Village of The Hills and the unique challenges they present:

I-35 Corridor

The I-35 corridor is one of the busiest trucking routes in the country, connecting Laredo to Duluth and serving as a major NAFTA trade route. The stretch through Village of The Hills sees heavy commercial traffic, including trucks carrying goods to and from Austin, San Antonio, and beyond.

US-183

US-183 runs through Village of The Hills, connecting to Austin and serving as an important route for local distribution and commuter traffic. Truck accidents on this route can cause significant disruptions and injuries.

SH-45

This toll road provides an important connection between I-35 and US-183, offering an alternative route for truck traffic. However, toll roads can create unique liability issues in accident cases.

Local Distribution Centers

Village of The Hills is home to numerous distribution centers and warehouses that generate significant truck traffic. These facilities often have tight delivery windows that can pressure drivers to violate safety regulations.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Village of The Hills Trucking Accident Case

Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, he has handled countless trucking accident cases and secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.

Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in building your case.

Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking accident cases, including:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Life care planners
• Economic experts
• FMCSA regulation specialists

Results

We have a proven track record of success in trucking accident cases, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury victims
• Significant recoveries for families in wrongful death cases
• Successful litigation against major trucking companies

Compassion

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident can take. We treat our clients like family and fight tirelessly for their rights.

Common Questions About Trucking Accident Cases in Village of The Hills

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• The truck or trailer manufacturer
• The manufacturer of defective parts
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• Government entities (for road defects)

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

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Our attorneys will investigate thoroughly to determine what really happened.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have electronic control modules (ECM) and event data recorders (EDR) that record operational data, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on many factors, including:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, allowing for larger recoveries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Village of The Hills, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have teams working to protect their interests. You need an experienced trucking accident attorney on your side.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. Our Village of The Hills trucking accident attorneys work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.