18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Wilson County: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Wilson County’s highways and rural roads. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Wilson County, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and Texas personal injury law.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Wilson County and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Wilson County’s trucking corridors, from the major highways to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations.

Why Wilson County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Wilson County’s unique geography and transportation infrastructure create specific risks for trucking accidents. The county sits at the crossroads of several major freight routes, including:

• US Highway 87 – Connecting San Antonio to Victoria, this route sees heavy truck traffic serving Wilson County’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors
• FM 539 and FM 1346 – Rural farm-to-market roads where large trucks mix with local traffic
• I-10 corridor access – Trucks traveling between San Antonio and Houston often pass through Wilson County
• Local distribution centers – Serving the region’s growing logistics industry

These roads present unique challenges: sudden traffic slowdowns, rural intersections with limited visibility, and agricultural equipment sharing the road with high-speed truck traffic. When accidents occur on these routes, the consequences can be devastating.

The Devastating Impact of Wilson County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Wilson County truck crashes:

• A fully loaded truck is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop
• The force of impact often causes traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death

We’ve represented Wilson County families who suffered:

• Traumatic brain injuries from the violent forces of truck collisions
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis and lifelong disability
• Amputations when vehicles are crushed beneath trailers
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires
• Wrongful death of parents, children, and breadwinners

These injuries change lives in an instant. Medical bills pile up. Families struggle to make ends meet. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters call with lowball settlement offers. That’s why you need Attorney911 on your side.

How Trucking Companies Put Wilson County Drivers at Risk

Trucking companies operating in Wilson County often cut corners to maximize profits, putting local drivers at risk. Common violations we uncover include:

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find Wilson County truck drivers violating these rules, driving while fatigued, and falsifying their electronic logging device (ELD) records.

Negligent Hiring and Supervision

Wilson County trucking companies frequently:

• Hire drivers with poor safety records
• Fail to conduct proper background checks
• Don’t verify commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
• Ignore previous accidents and violations
• Allow drivers with medical conditions that should disqualify them

Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies operating in Wilson County often defer critical maintenance, leading to:

• Brake failures causing rear-end collisions
• Tire blowouts causing loss of control
• Lighting and reflector failures reducing visibility
• Coupling device failures causing trailer separation

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo on Wilson County roads causes:

• Rollover accidents when loads shift
• Spilled cargo creating road hazards
• Lost loads striking other vehicles

Evidence Disappears Fast in Wilson County Trucking Cases

In Wilson County trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. Critical evidence that can be lost includes:

• Black box data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records – Only required to be kept for 6 months
• Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence – Trucks may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

That’s why you must act immediately. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this critical evidence before it’s lost forever.

What to Do After a Wilson County 18-Wheeler Accident

If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Wilson County:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Skid marks and debris
   • Your injuries
4. Get information – Collect:
   • The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • The trucking company’s name and DOT number
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance companies
6. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The Attorney911 Advantage for Wilson County Trucking Cases

When you choose Attorney911 for your Wilson County 18-wheeler accident case, you get a team with:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He understands the tactics these companies use to avoid responsibility and knows how to counter them.

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.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Wilson County trucking accident victims, including:

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

Bilingual Services

Hablamos Español. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff to serve Wilson County’s Hispanic community.

Three Convenient Texas Locations

While we handle cases throughout Texas, we have offices in:

• Houston (closest to Wilson County)
• Austin
• Beaumont

Common Wilson County Trucking Accident Scenarios

Wilson County’s unique geography and transportation patterns create specific types of trucking accidents:

Jackknife Accidents on Rural Roads

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often on Wilson County’s rural roads where sudden braking on loose gravel or wet surfaces can cause loss of control.

Rollover Accidents at Distribution Centers

Wilson County’s growing distribution industry means more trucks navigating tight turns at warehouse facilities, leading to rollovers when drivers take curves too fast or loads are improperly secured.

Rear-End Collisions on US 87

The heavy truck traffic on US 87 between San Antonio and Victoria creates dangerous conditions when trucks fail to stop in time for slowed or stopped traffic.

Underride Accidents at Rural Intersections

Wilson County’s rural intersections often lack proper lighting and signage, increasing the risk of underride accidents where passenger vehicles slide beneath trailers.

Wide Turn Accidents in Small Towns

Trucks making wide turns in Wilson County’s small towns like Floresville, Stockdale, and La Vernia often cut off other vehicles, causing collisions.

Cargo Spills on Farm-to-Market Roads

Agricultural and industrial cargo spills on Wilson County’s FM roads create hazards for following vehicles when loads aren’t properly secured.

How We Prove Liability in Wilson County Trucking Cases

Proving liability in Wilson County trucking accidents requires a comprehensive investigation. We gather and analyze:

Electronic Evidence

• ECM/Black Box Data – Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical parameters before the crash
• ELD Records – Documents hours of service violations and fatigue
• GPS/Telematics – Tracks the truck’s route and speed history
• Dashcam Footage – Captures the accident and driver behavior

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File – Proves negligent hiring if incomplete or shows red flags
• Driving History – Documents previous accidents and violations
• Medical Certification – Reveals disqualifying conditions
• Drug/Alcohol Tests – Shows impairment at time of accident

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Logs – Documents deferred repairs and known defects
• Inspection Reports – Shows pre-existing violations
• Cargo Securement Records – Proves improper loading

Company Records

• Dispatch Logs – Reveals pressure to violate hours of service
• Safety Policies – Shows failure to enforce regulations
• Training Records – Documents inadequate safety training

Wilson County Trucking Accident Case Timeline

While every case is unique, here’s what you can expect when you work with Attorney911:

1. Immediate Action (First 48 Hours)

   • We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
   • We deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
   • We obtain the police crash report

2. Investigation (First 30 Days)

   • We subpoena ECM/black box data
   • We obtain the driver’s qualification file
   • We request maintenance and inspection records
   • We subpoena cell phone records
   • We interview witnesses

3. Medical Treatment (Ongoing)

   • We help you get the medical care you need
   • We document your injuries and treatment
   • We work with medical experts to project future care needs

4. Demand and Negotiation (3-12 Months)

   • We calculate your full damages
   • We send a comprehensive demand letter
   • We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

   • We file a lawsuit if settlement offers are inadequate
   • We conduct discovery, including depositions
   • We prepare your case for trial

6. Resolution

   • Most cases settle before trial
   • We’re prepared to go to trial if necessary
   • We fight for maximum compensation

Wilson County Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Wilson County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Don’t give statements to insurance companies without legal representation.

Who can I sue after a Wilson County 18-wheeler accident?

Multiple parties may be liable:

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

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because evidence disappears quickly.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible.

How much is my Wilson County trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on:

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

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 which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:

• Multiple insurance policies
• Corporate assets
• Personal assets of responsible individuals
• Other liable parties

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver owns their truck, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to maximize your recovery.

What if I was injured in a work zone truck accident?

Work zone accidents often involve additional liability issues. We investigate:

• Proper signage and warnings
• Speed limit compliance
• Worker visibility
• Government entity liability

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they get paid from your settlement rather than upfront.

Wilson County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• South Texas Regional Medical Center (Jourdanton)
• Methodist Hospital (San Antonio)
• University Hospital (San Antonio) – Level I Trauma Center

Wilson County Courts

• Wilson County Courthouse (Floresville)
• 218th District Court (Criminal and Civil)
• 81st District Court (Civil)

Wilson County Law Enforcement

• Wilson County Sheriff’s Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol)
• Floresville Police Department
• Stockdale Police Department
• La Vernia Police Department

Trucking Safety Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Road condition information
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Carrier safety records
• Wilson County Office of Emergency Management – Local emergency preparedness

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Wilson County Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident in Wilson County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter with the experience, resources, and determination to take on the trucking industry. Here’s why Wilson County families choose Attorney911:

We Know Wilson County

We understand Wilson County’s unique trucking corridors, rural roads, and local courts. Our knowledge of the area gives us an advantage in building your case.

We Have Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims. He uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims. We know how to calculate the full value of your case, including:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages when appropriate

We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we have the resources and experience to take cases to verdict – and that gives us leverage in negotiations.

We Treat You Like Family

We understand the emotional toll of a catastrophic accident. We provide compassionate, personalized service and keep you informed every step of the way.

We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. There’s no risk to you – only the potential for significant recovery.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Wilson County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters are already working to minimize your claim.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your legal options. There’s no fee unless we win.

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

Don’t wait. Every hour counts in a Wilson County trucking accident case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation today.

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