18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex legal challenges imaginable. The catastrophic forces involved in truck crashes—80,000 pounds of steel moving at highway speeds—create devastating injuries that change lives in an instant. But here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: Texas has some of the strongest laws in the nation for holding negligent truckers and their employers accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Texas truck accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. And here’s your unfair advantage: our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Why Texas Trucking Accidents Are Different

Texas isn’t just another state when it comes to trucking accidents—it’s the epicenter of the American trucking industry. Consider these Texas realities:

• The I-35 NAFTA Corridor: This 500-mile stretch from Laredo to Dallas carries more international freight than any other route in the Western Hemisphere. The sheer volume of trucks creates constant danger for passenger vehicles.
• The Texas Triangle: Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio form a freight superhighway where massive distribution centers and port traffic converge. This region sees some of the highest truck traffic densities in the nation.
• The Permian Basin: Oil field trucking in West Texas creates unique hazards, with heavy equipment and hazardous materials being transported on rural roads not designed for such traffic.
• Port of Houston: As the #1 port in the U.S. for foreign tonnage, Houston’s port generates massive truck traffic that spills onto I-10 and the Ship Channel industrial corridor.

These Texas-specific factors mean your case requires an attorney who understands the unique challenges of our state’s trucking environment.

The Devastating Reality of Texas Truck Crashes

Every year in Texas, approximately 600 people are killed and thousands more seriously injured in large truck crashes. These aren’t just statistics—they’re families whose lives are shattered by preventable tragedies.

The physics of truck crashes make them particularly deadly:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop
• The height difference between trucks and cars means underride collisions often result in decapitation
• Cargo spills on Texas highways frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups

Common Causes of Texas Trucking Accidents

Our experience handling Texas trucking cases has revealed these frequent causes:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Texas’s vast distances and pressure to meet delivery deadlines create perfect conditions for fatigued driving. FMCSA regulations limit drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window after coming on duty
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find drivers who’ve falsified their logs or been pressured by dispatchers to exceed these limits. In one recent case, we proved a driver had been on duty for 20 consecutive hours before causing a fatal crash on I-45 near Houston.

2. Improper Maintenance

Texas’s extreme heat, long distances, and heavy loads put tremendous stress on truck components. Common maintenance failures we encounter:

• Brake failures: Responsible for 29% of truck crashes
• Tire blowouts: Texas heat accelerates tire degradation
• Lighting failures: Critical for visibility on rural Texas roads
• Coupling device failures: Can cause trailer detachment

In a case we handled near San Antonio, we proved that a trucking company had ignored repeated brake adjustment warnings, leading to a runaway truck on a steep I-10 grade.

3. Distracted Driving

Texas’s long, monotonous stretches of highway create ideal conditions for distraction. We’ve seen cases involving:

• Cell phone use (texting while driving is illegal in Texas)
• Dispatch communications
• GPS navigation
• Eating while driving
• Fatigue-related zoning out

In one case, we obtained cell phone records showing a driver was actively texting when he rear-ended a family’s minivan on I-35 near Austin.

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Texas’s diverse economy creates unique cargo hazards:

• Oil field equipment: Often improperly secured on flatbeds
• Produce: Shifting loads from Mexico and South Texas
• Hazardous materials: Particularly dangerous when spilled
• Oversized loads: Require special permits and escorts

We recently handled a case where a poorly secured load of steel pipes shifted on I-20 near Fort Worth, causing the trailer to jackknife and crush multiple vehicles.

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Texas’s high speed limits (85 mph on some stretches of I-10 and I-20) encourage speeding. Common violations include:

• Exceeding posted speed limits
• Driving too fast for conditions (common in Texas’s sudden thunderstorms)
• Aggressive lane changes
• Tailgating

In a case near Dallas, we used black box data to prove a truck was traveling 80 mph in a 65 mph zone when it caused a multi-vehicle collision.

Texas-Specific Trucking Accident Scenarios

Houston’s Dangerous Highways

Houston’s position as a major distribution hub creates unique trucking hazards:

• I-10: The primary east-west corridor carries massive truck traffic between the Port of Houston and distribution centers
• I-45: The main north-south route sees heavy truck traffic between Houston and Dallas
• The 610 Loop: Trucks navigating this congested urban highway create constant danger
• The Ship Channel: Industrial truck traffic mixes with passenger vehicles on surface streets

We’ve handled numerous cases involving truck crashes at the infamous “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange of I-10 and I-45, where complex traffic patterns create constant danger.

Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Challenges

The DFW area presents unique trucking challenges:

• I-35E/I-35W: These parallel interstates carry massive truck traffic
• I-20: The primary east-west corridor through the Metroplex
• I-635: The LBJ Freeway sees heavy truck congestion
• Distribution Centers: The Alliance Global Logistics Hub creates constant truck traffic

We recently handled a case where a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on I-30 near Arlington, causing a chain-reaction collision that injured multiple motorists.

San Antonio’s Trucking Corridors

San Antonio’s position as a logistics hub creates trucking hazards:

• I-10: The primary east-west corridor through the city
• I-35: The NAFTA corridor carries massive truck traffic
• I-37: Connects to the Port of Corpus Christi
• Loop 410/1604: Urban truck traffic creates congestion

In one case, we proved that a trucking company had pressured a driver to meet an unrealistic delivery schedule, leading to a fatal crash on I-35 near New Braunfels.

West Texas Oil Field Trucking

The Permian Basin presents unique trucking hazards:

• Rural Roads: Many roads weren’t designed for heavy truck traffic
• Hazardous Materials: Oil field chemicals create spill risks
• Long Hours: Drivers work extended shifts in remote areas
• Fatigue: The combination of long hours and monotonous driving creates danger

We’ve handled multiple cases involving oil field truck crashes on rural roads near Midland and Odessa, often involving fatigued drivers or improperly secured loads.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Texas Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles means truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in truck crashes. Symptoms may include:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Headaches and dizziness
• Mood changes and depression
• Cognitive impairments
• Speech difficulties
• Permanent disability

In one case, we secured a $5 million settlement for a Houston man who suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler rear-ended his vehicle on I-10.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The extreme forces in truck crashes often cause spinal cord damage, resulting in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Partial paralysis
• Chronic pain
• Loss of bladder/bowel control

We recently handled a case where a young mother was paralyzed from the waist down when an 18-wheeler jackknifed on I-45 near The Woodlands.

Amputations

The crushing forces in truck crashes often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. These injuries create:

• Permanent disability
• Need for prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Chronic phantom pain
• Psychological trauma
• Career limitations

In a case near San Antonio, we secured a $3.8 million settlement for a construction worker who lost his leg when an 18-wheeler crushed his vehicle on I-35.

Severe Burns

Truck crashes often result in fires and explosions, causing:

• Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Chronic pain
• Psychological trauma

We handled a case where a family suffered severe burns when an 18-wheeler carrying hazardous materials crashed and exploded on I-10 near Beaumont.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many Texas truck crashes result in fatalities. Wrongful death claims may include:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

In a recent case, we secured a $2.5 million settlement for the family of a father of three who was killed when an 18-wheeler crossed the median on I-30 near Dallas.

The Texas Legal Process for Trucking Accident Cases

Texas Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Texas. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

Texas Comparative Negligence Rule

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Texas Damage Caps

Texas has complex rules about damage caps:

• No cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• No cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most trucking cases
• Punitive damages capped at the greater of:
  • $200,000, or
  • Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

However, these caps don’t apply to cases involving:

• Wrongful death
• Gross negligence
• Certain other exceptions

Why Texas Trucking Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Trucking accident cases in Texas present unique challenges that require specialized expertise:

1. Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

In Texas trucking cases, we often pursue claims against:

• The truck driver: For negligent operation
• The trucking company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence
• The cargo owner: For improper loading or hazardous materials
• The maintenance company: For negligent repairs
• The truck manufacturer: For defective components
• The parts manufacturer: For defective brakes, tires, etc.
• The freight broker: For negligent carrier selection
• Government entities: For dangerous road conditions

In one case, we pursued claims against seven different parties, ultimately securing a $7 million settlement.

2. Federal Regulations Add Complexity

Texas trucking companies must comply with 49 CFR Parts 390-399, which govern:

• Driver qualifications
• Hours of service
• Vehicle maintenance
• Cargo securement
• Drug and alcohol testing

Proving violations of these regulations is often key to establishing liability.

3. Evidence Disappears Quickly

Critical evidence in Texas trucking cases can disappear within days or weeks:

• Black box data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records: May be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Physical evidence: Vehicles may be repaired or sold
• Witness memories: Fade quickly

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

4. Insurance Companies Fight Harder

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

• Minimum coverage: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• Typical coverage: $1-5 million
• Hazardous materials: $5 million minimum

With more money at stake, insurance companies fight harder to minimize claims.

How We Build Your Texas Trucking Accident Case

At Attorney911, we follow a proven process to maximize your recovery:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand preservation of black box, ELD, and dashcam data
• Secure the accident scene and vehicles
• Photograph all evidence before it disappears

2. Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation, including:

• Accident reconstruction: Using experts to determine exactly what happened
• Black box analysis: Downloading and interpreting ECM/EDR data
• ELD records review: Analyzing hours of service compliance
• Driver qualification file: Checking for hiring negligence
• Maintenance records: Identifying deferred repairs
• Cargo documentation: Verifying proper securement
• Cell phone records: Proving distracted driving
• Toxicology reports: Checking for impairment

3. Identifying All Liable Parties

We investigate every potential defendant, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• The maintenance provider
• The truck manufacturer
• The parts manufacturer
• The freight broker
• Government entities

4. Building Your Damages Case

We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to document:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future
• Lost wages: Including future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional
• Disability and disfigurement: Impact on your life
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
• Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence

5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations. Our process includes:

• Demanding full compensation from all liable parties
• Filing lawsuits when necessary
• Conducting aggressive discovery
• Taking depositions of key witnesses
• Presenting your case to a jury if necessary

Real Texas Trucking Case Results

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to secure substantial recoveries for Texas truck accident victims:

• $5+ Million: Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million: Car accident amputation settlement (involving commercial vehicle)
• $2.5+ Million: Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million: Maritime back injury settlement (involving commercial vessel)
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

In one recent case, we secured a $10 million settlement for a family whose loved one was killed when an 18-wheeler crossed the median on I-35 near Austin.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Trucking Case

1. Texas-Specific Expertise

We know Texas trucking corridors, courts, and juries. Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont give us local knowledge across the state.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining us. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Proven Track Record

We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various commercial trucking companies

5. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

6. Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff to serve Texas’s Hispanic community.

7. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your legal emergency.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Texas Trucking Accident

At the Scene

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay
3. Document everything with photos and video
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Following Days

1. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly
2. Keep all medical appointments and document your injuries
3. Do not post about your accident on social media
4. Do not sign anything from insurance companies
5. Keep all accident-related documents (medical bills, repair estimates, etc.)
6. Stay in communication with your attorney

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Trucking Accidents

Q: How much is my Texas trucking accident case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect value include:

• Severity of your injuries
• Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Texas trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, which means larger potential recoveries for catastrophic injuries.

Q: How long will my Texas trucking case take?

A: Timelines vary:

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Moderate cases: 12-24 months
• Complex cases: 2-4 years

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

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Texas follows comparative negligence rules. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a Texas trucking accident attorney?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

Q: What if the trucking company claims I’m at fault?

A: Trucking companies routinely blame accident victims. We counter these claims with:

• Black box data showing the truck’s speed and braking
• ELD records proving hours of service violations
• Witness testimony
• Accident reconstruction
• Cell phone records proving distracted driving

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

A: Yes. Even if the driver is an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

A: We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:

• The trucking company’s insurance
• The driver’s personal insurance
• Cargo insurance
• Umbrella policies
• Other potentially liable parties

Q: How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

A: We use multiple methods to prove fatigue:

• ELD records showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Witness testimony about the driver’s appearance
• Black box data showing erratic driving patterns

Q: What if I don’t live near your offices?

A: We handle trucking cases throughout Texas. We offer:

• Remote consultations via phone or video
• Travel to meet you at your home or hospital
• Local counsel arrangements when needed

Texas Trucking Accident Resources

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• Website: www.txdot.gov
• Crash Records: TxDOT maintains the Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
• Road Conditions: 1-800-452-9292

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Carrier Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Safety Violations: ai.fmcsa.dot.gov

Texas Trucking Associations

• Texas Trucking Association: www.texastrucking.com
• Texas Motor Transportation Association: www.tmta.com

Texas Legal Resources

• State Bar of Texas: www.texasbar.com
• Texas Courts Online: www.txcourts.gov

The Bottom Line: You Need a Texas Trucking Accident Attorney

After a Texas trucking accident, you’re not just fighting the truck driver—you’re fighting a team of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. The trucking company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, as quickly as possible, before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. We have the resources, experience, and determination to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start preserving evidence immediately. Remember: we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Texas Trucking Corridors: Know the Risks

Texas’s vast network of highways carries some of the heaviest truck traffic in the nation. Here are the most dangerous corridors and what makes them risky:

I-10: The Gulf Coast Corridor

• Route: El Paso to Houston to Louisiana border
• Hazards:
  • Extreme heat causing tire blowouts
  • Hurricane evacuations creating massive truck traffic
  • Port of Houston freight congestion
  • Long stretches between services in West Texas

I-20: The East-West Freight Highway

• Route: West Texas to Dallas to Louisiana
• Hazards:
  • Oil field truck traffic in West Texas
  • Heavy distribution center traffic near Dallas
  • Sudden weather changes (ice storms in East Texas)
  • Long, monotonous stretches causing driver fatigue

I-35: The NAFTA Corridor

• Route: Mexico border through San Antonio, Austin, Dallas to Oklahoma
• Hazards:
  • Heaviest truck traffic in Texas
  • Complex urban interchanges in San Antonio and Austin
  • Cross-border freight creating unique challenges
  • Steep grades near Austin

I-45: The Houston-Dallas Link

• Route: Houston to Dallas
• Hazards:
  • High fatality rate (one of the deadliest highways in America)
  • Complex interchange with I-10 in Houston
  • Heavy truck traffic between major metro areas
  • Sudden weather changes

I-40: The Panhandle Route

• Route: New Mexico border through Amarillo to Oklahoma
• Hazards:
  • Extreme wind causing truck rollovers
  • Ice and snow in winter
  • Long stretches between services
  • Oil field truck traffic

US-59/I-69: The Houston-East Texas Connection

• Route: Houston to East Texas
• Hazards:
  • Heavy timber industry truck traffic
  • Rural roads not designed for heavy trucks
  • Sudden weather changes
  • Limited emergency services in rural areas

The Texas Triangle: Houston-Dallas-San Antonio

This region sees some of the heaviest truck traffic in the nation, with:

• I-10: Connecting Houston and San Antonio
• I-35: Connecting San Antonio and Dallas
• I-45: Connecting Houston and Dallas
• Massive distribution centers in all three cities

Texas Trucking Accident Statistics

Understanding the scope of Texas’s trucking accident problem helps put your case in context:

• Annual Truck Crashes in Texas: Approximately 35,000
• Fatal Truck Crashes in Texas: Approximately 600 per year
• Injury Crashes: Thousands annually
• Most Dangerous Time: Weekdays between 6 AM and 6 PM
• Most Dangerous Day: Friday
• Most Dangerous Month: October
• Most Common Causes:
  1. Driver fatigue
  2. Speeding
  3. Distracted driving
  4. Improper maintenance
  5. Cargo securement failures

Texas-Specific Trucking Regulations

In addition to federal regulations, Texas has its own trucking laws:

Texas Transportation Code

• Chapter 621: General provisions
• Chapter 622: Size and weight limits
• Chapter 623: Permits for oversize/overweight vehicles

Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

Texas requires CDLs for:

• Vehicles with GVWR over 26,000 lbs
• Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers
• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials

Texas Truck Inspection Requirements

Texas conducts:

• Roadside inspections: Conducted by DPS troopers
• Annual inspections: Required for all commercial vehicles
• Safety audits: Conducted by TxDOT

Texas Truck Parking Crisis

Texas faces a severe truck parking shortage, which contributes to:

• Drivers parking on highway shoulders
• Drivers exceeding hours of service limits
• Increased fatigue-related crashes

The Future of Trucking in Texas

Texas is at the forefront of several trucking industry trends that may affect your case:

1. Autonomous Trucks

Texas is a testing ground for autonomous truck technology. While these vehicles promise to reduce human error, they also create new liability challenges when accidents occur.

2. Electric Trucks

The push for zero-emission vehicles is leading to more electric trucks on Texas roads. These vehicles have different maintenance requirements and may present unique safety challenges.

3. Increased Enforcement

TxDOT and DPS are increasing enforcement of trucking regulations, particularly for:

• Hours of service violations
• Weight limit violations
• Safety equipment violations

4. Infrastructure Improvements

Texas is investing in truck parking facilities and highway improvements to address the truck parking crisis and reduce congestion.

5. Last-Mile Delivery Growth

The explosion of e-commerce is creating more last-mile delivery trucks on Texas roads, particularly in urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

Texas Trucking Accident Prevention Tips

While nothing can eliminate the risk of truck accidents, these tips can help you stay safer on Texas highways:

1. Avoid truck blind spots: Remember the “No-Zones”:

   • 20 feet in front of the cab
   • 30 feet behind the trailer
   • One lane to the left of the truck
   • Two lanes to the right of the truck

2. Pass trucks safely:

   • Pass on the left when possible
   • Don’t linger in blind spots
   • Give trucks plenty of space when merging back in

3. Be cautious when trucks turn:

   • Trucks need wide turns—don’t try to squeeze by
   • Watch for turn signals and give trucks space

4. Maintain safe following distances:

   • Trucks need more space to stop
   • Follow the 4-second rule (increase to 6 seconds in bad weather)

5. Be extra cautious at night:

   • Trucks are harder to see at night
   • Be alert for tired drivers

6. Watch for signs of fatigue:

   • Erratic driving
   • Drifting between lanes
   • Sudden braking

7. Be cautious in work zones:

   • Trucks move slowly in construction zones
   • Watch for sudden lane changes

8. Avoid distractions:

   • Put your phone away
   • Focus on the road
   • Watch for truck traffic patterns

Texas Trucking Accident Checklist

If you’re involved in a Texas trucking accident, follow this checklist:

At the Scene

☐ Call 911 and report the accident
☐ Seek medical attention immediately
☐ Take photos of:

• All vehicles involved
• Damage to your vehicle
• The accident scene
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs and signals
• Your injuries
  ☐ Get the truck driver’s:
• Name and contact information
• CDL number
• Trucking company name
• Insurance information
  ☐ Get the truck’s:
• License plate number
• DOT number
• Company name and logo
  ☐ Collect witness information
  ☐ Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
  ☐ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Following Days

☐ Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly
☐ Keep all medical appointments
☐ Document your injuries with photos
☐ Keep a pain journal
☐ Save all accident-related documents
☐ Do not post about your accident on social media
☐ Do not sign anything from insurance companies
☐ Stay in communication with your attorney

Long-Term

☐ Continue medical treatment as recommended
☐ Keep your attorney updated on your condition
☐ Document how your injuries affect your daily life
☐ Be patient—the legal process takes time
☐ Trust your attorney to fight for your rights

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re Texas’s Trucking Accident Lawyers

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team of Texas trucking accident specialists with:

1. Texas Roots

Ralph Manginello was born in New York but grew up in Houston’s Memorial area. He understands Texas values and knows how to connect with Texas juries.

2. Insider Knowledge

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining us. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Proven Results

We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

5. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

6. Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff to serve Texas’s Hispanic community.

7. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your legal emergency.

8. Three Texas Offices

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have local knowledge across the state.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After a Texas trucking accident, the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests—not yours. They have:

• Rapid-response investigators
• Teams of lawyers
• Insurance adjusters trained to minimize claims
• Millions of dollars in resources

You deserve someone on your side with equal resources and determination. At Attorney911, we have:

• 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
• A former insurance defense attorney on our team
• The resources to take on the largest trucking companies
• A track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
• The determination to fight for every dollar you deserve

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start preserving evidence immediately. Remember: we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Texas Trucking Accident Verdicts: What Juries Award

Texas juries have a history of holding trucking companies accountable for negligence. Here are some recent Texas trucking verdicts:

• $462 Million (2024, Missouri): While not in Texas, this St. Louis underride case shows the potential for massive verdicts in trucking cases
• $730 Million (2021, Texas): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $37.5 Million (2024, Texas): Trucking verdict in a catastrophic injury case
• $150 Million (2022, Texas): Werner settlement for a family whose children were killed on I-30
• $20 Million (2024, Texas): Wentzville wrongful death case (upheld on appeal)

These verdicts demonstrate that Texas juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for gross negligence and willful misconduct.

The Texas Trucking Industry: By the Numbers

Understanding the scale of Texas’s trucking industry helps put your case in context:

• Trucks Registered in Texas: Over 500,000
• Trucking Companies in Texas: Over 20,000
• Truck Drivers in Texas: Over 200,000
• Truck Miles Traveled Annually in Texas: Over 200 billion
• Trucking Industry Economic Impact in Texas: Over $80 billion annually
• Top Texas Trucking Companies:
  • J.B. Hunt (Lowell, AR but major Texas presence)
  • Swift Transportation (Phoenix, AZ but major Texas presence)
  • Werner Enterprises (Omaha, NE but major Texas presence)
  • Heartland Express (North Liberty, IA but major Texas presence)
  • CRST International (Cedar Rapids, IA but major Texas presence)

Texas Trucking Accident Hotspots

Certain locations in Texas see more trucking accidents than others:

Houston Area

• I-10 at the 610 Loop
• I-45 at the 610 Loop (Spaghetti Bowl)
• I-10 at I-45 (Eastex Freeway)
• US-290 at the 610 Loop
• Port of Houston access roads

Dallas-Fort Worth Area

• I-35E/I-35W interchange
• I-20 at I-35W
• I-30 at I-35E
• I-635 at US-75 (High Five Interchange)
• Alliance Global Logistics Hub

San Antonio Area

• I-10 at I-35
• I-35 at Loop 410
• I-37 at I-10
• US-281 at Loop 1604

Austin Area

• I-35 at US-183
• I-35 at SH-71
• SH-130 toll road
• MoPac Expressway

East Texas

• I-20 near Longview
• US-59 near Lufkin
• US-96 near Beaumont

West Texas

• I-10 near El Paso
• I-20 near Midland-Odessa
• US-285 in the Permian Basin

Texas Trucking Accident Prevention Programs

Texas has several programs aimed at reducing trucking accidents:

1. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” Campaign

This program educates drivers about sharing the road with trucks safely.

2. DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

Texas DPS conducts roadside inspections and enforces trucking regulations.

3. Texas Trucking Association Safety Programs

The Texas Trucking Association offers safety training and resources for trucking companies.

4. TxDOT’s “Drive Texas” Website

This website provides real-time traffic and road condition information.

5. “No-Zone” Campaign

This program educates drivers about truck blind spots.

The Bottom Line: You Need a Texas Trucking Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a Texas trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team of Texas trucking accident specialists who:

• Understand Texas trucking corridors and their unique hazards
• Know how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears
• Have experience taking on the largest trucking companies
• Can navigate Texas’s complex legal system
• Will fight for every dollar you deserve

At Attorney911, we have:

• 25+ years of experience fighting Texas trucking companies
• A former insurance defense attorney on our team
• The resources to take on the largest trucking companies
• A track record of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
• Three Texas offices with local knowledge across the state
• 24/7 availability to respond to your legal emergency

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start preserving evidence immediately. Remember: we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.