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Blog | Comanche County

Comanche County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello with $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Exactly How Trucking Companies Deny Claims, FMCSA 49 CFR 390-399 Masters for Hours of Service Violations, Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure & All Crash Types Covered, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates, Federal Court Admitted for Interstate Trucking Cases, 4.9★ Google Rating with 251+ Reviews, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

February 1, 2026 30 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Comanche County: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were driving along US-67 or US-377 through Comanche County, maybe heading to work in Comanche or visiting family in De Leon. The next, an 18-wheeler was jackknifing across three lanes, rolling over on the highway, or slamming into your vehicle with the force of a freight train. The physics don’t lie: your 4,000-pound car against an 80,000-pound truck is no contest.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Comanche County, you’re facing a legal battle against some of the most powerful corporations in America. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and millions in insurance. They start protecting their interests before the ambulance even arrives. You need someone who knows their playbook and can fight back just as aggressively.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across 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 Comanche County’s highways, the local courts, and exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Comanche County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Comanche County’s position in the heart of Texas creates unique trucking hazards. Our location at the intersection of US-67 and US-377 means we see heavy commercial traffic moving through our communities. The Comanche County Courthouse in Comanche and the local justice system handle these cases differently than larger urban areas.

The trucking corridors serving Comanche County include:

  • US-67: Running east-west through the county, this highway sees significant truck traffic hauling agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and general freight between Fort Worth and San Angelo
  • US-377: The north-south corridor connecting Comanche County to major interstates like I-20 and I-35, carrying trucks from Mexico to Oklahoma and beyond
  • State Highway 36: Connecting Comanche to Hamilton and beyond, this route sees agricultural and livestock trucking
  • FM 587 and FM 1477: Local farm-to-market roads where large trucks mix with local traffic, creating unique hazards

These roads carry a mix of local agricultural trucking, long-haul interstate freight, and oilfield equipment transport. The combination of rural road conditions, varying speed limits, and different types of truck traffic creates unique accident risks.

The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Comanche County

Every trucking accident is different, but we see certain patterns on Comanche County’s highways:

Jackknife Accidents

The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On US-67 and US-377, these accidents frequently occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads or take curves too fast. The wide-open spaces of Comanche County might seem safe, but sudden weather changes and long stretches of highway lull drivers into complacency.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy trucks tip over, often causing catastrophic injuries. In Comanche County, these frequently happen when trucks take the curves near Proctor Lake or the US-67/US-377 intersection too fast. Improperly secured agricultural loads are a particular hazard in our county.

Underride Collisions

Your vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often with fatal consequences. The height difference between passenger vehicles and trailers creates deadly underride scenarios. On US-67, we’ve seen these accidents when trucks make sudden stops or when visibility is poor at night.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks need 40-50% more stopping distance than cars. On rural Comanche County roads where speed limits can suddenly drop, these accidents often occur when truck drivers fail to anticipate traffic slowdowns or follow too closely.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. At the US-67/US-377 intersection in Comanche, we’ve seen multiple accidents where trucks turning right from US-377 onto US-67 cut off vehicles in the right lane.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right side blind spot is particularly dangerous on two-lane highways like US-377 where vehicles may be passing.

Tire Blowouts

Comanche County’s heat and long highway stretches contribute to tire failures. The debris from blown tires – often called “road gators” – causes secondary accidents when following vehicles swerve to avoid them.

Brake Failures

Poor maintenance leads to brake system failures. On the hills near Proctor Lake and the long descents on US-67, brake failures can be particularly dangerous.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured loads fall onto roadways. Agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and general freight can all create hazards when not properly secured.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Comanche County Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis from the waist down (paraplegia) or all four limbs (quadriplegia)
  • Amputations: Limbs severed at the scene or surgically removed later
  • Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
  • Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, internal bleeding
  • Multiple Fractures: Often requiring multiple surgeries and long recoveries
  • Wrongful Death: When the unthinkable happens to your loved one

These injuries mean months or years of medical treatment, lost income, and permanent changes to your quality of life. The lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries can exceed $5 million.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Comanche County Trucking Accident?

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, MULTIPLE PARTIES may be liable:

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment. In Comanche County, we often see drivers pushing their hours of service limits to meet tight delivery schedules.

The Trucking Company

Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions, plus direct negligence for:

  • Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or safety record
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on hours of service, cargo securement, or defensive driving
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep leading to equipment failures
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

If they provided improper loading instructions, failed to disclose hazardous cargo, or required overweight loading. In Comanche County, agricultural shippers sometimes overload trucks or fail to properly secure loads.

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders can be liable for improper securement that causes rollovers or spills. We’ve seen cases where local agricultural cooperatives failed to properly secure loads.

Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

Defective brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems can cause accidents. Product liability claims may apply.

Parts Manufacturer

Defective components like brake pads, tires, or coupling devices may have failed.

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies can be liable for negligent repairs. In rural areas like Comanche County, some maintenance providers may not have the expertise to properly service commercial vehicles.

Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a carrier with a poor safety record, they may share responsibility.

The Truck Owner

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment.

Government Entities

For dangerous road design or maintenance issues. In Comanche County, we’ve seen cases where inadequate signage or poorly maintained roads contributed to accidents.

The Trucking Company Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Trucking companies have a well-rehearsed playbook for minimizing claims. Here’s what they do – and how we counter it:

Their Play: Rapid Response Teams

Within hours of an accident, the trucking company sends investigators to the scene to protect their interests. They photograph the scene, interview witnesses, and start building their defense.

Our Counter: We move just as fast. We send preservation letters immediately to secure evidence before it’s destroyed. We interview witnesses while memories are fresh. We photograph the scene and vehicles before they’re moved or repaired.

Their Play: Lowball Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters contact victims within days with quick settlement offers. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Our Counter: We never accept early settlement offers. We wait until you’ve completed treatment and we’ve calculated the full value of your case. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic adjusters use to minimize claims.

Their Play: Recorded Statements

Adjusters ask for recorded statements, then use your words against you. They’re trained to ask leading questions that make you sound at fault.

Our Counter: We advise our clients NEVER to give recorded statements without an attorney present. We handle all communications with the insurance company.

Their Play: Surveillance

They hire private investigators to follow you and film your activities. If they catch you doing anything that appears inconsistent with your claimed injuries, they’ll use it to deny your claim.

Our Counter: We advise our clients on appropriate conduct during their recovery. We also investigate the investigators – surveillance can be an invasion of privacy and we fight back against unfair tactics.

Their Play: Independent Medical Examiners

They send you to doctors they hire to minimize your injuries. These “independent” examiners are anything but – they work for the insurance company.

Our Counter: We rely on your treating physicians’ opinions. We have our own medical experts who can counter the insurance company’s hired guns.

Their Play: Destroying Evidence

Trucking companies may “lose” maintenance records, driver logs, or other evidence that would prove their negligence.

Our Counter: We send spoliation letters immediately demanding preservation of all evidence. Courts can impose serious sanctions for destroying evidence after receiving a preservation demand.

The Evidence That Wins Comanche County Trucking Cases

Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. Here’s what we preserve:

Electronic Data

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and more. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
  • ELD Records: Electronic logging devices show hours of service compliance. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention, but we demand preservation immediately.
  • GPS/Telematics: Shows the truck’s location, speed, and route history.
  • Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras show what happened.
  • Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving if the driver was texting or using apps.

Driver Records

  • Driver Qualification File: Shows hiring practices, background checks, and training.
  • Medical Certification: Proves the driver was physically qualified.
  • Drug/Alcohol Tests: Shows whether the driver was impaired.
  • Previous Accident History: Demonstrates a pattern of unsafe driving.

Vehicle Records

  • Maintenance Records: Shows whether the truck was properly maintained.
  • Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections.
  • Out-of-Service Orders: Shows prior violations that weren’t fixed.
  • Tire Records: Age, tread depth, and replacement history.

Company Records

  • Hours of Service Records: Shows whether the driver was fatigued.
  • Dispatch Logs: Reveals schedule pressure and trip details.
  • Safety Policies: Demonstrates whether the company followed its own rules.
  • Training Materials: Shows whether drivers received proper instruction.

Physical Evidence

  • The truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed components (brakes, tires, etc.)
  • Cargo and securement devices
  • Skid marks and debris patterns

How We Prove Negligence in Comanche County Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company or driver was negligent. Here’s how we do it:

Violations of FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) establish safety standards for commercial vehicles. Common violations we find:

  • 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of Service Violations: Driving beyond the 11-hour limit, failing to take required breaks, or exceeding the 14-hour duty window
  • 49 CFR § 396 – Maintenance Violations: Failure to properly inspect or repair vehicles
  • 49 CFR § 393 – Equipment Violations: Defective brakes, tires, lighting, or cargo securement
  • 49 CFR § 391 – Driver Qualification Violations: Hiring unqualified drivers or failing to maintain proper records
  • 49 CFR § 392 – Driving Rule Violations: Speeding, following too closely, distracted driving

Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

Trucking companies can be directly liable for:

  • Hiring drivers with poor safety records
  • Failing to provide adequate safety training
  • Not monitoring driver performance
  • Ignoring hours of service violations
  • Failing to discipline unsafe drivers

Negligent Maintenance

Poor maintenance causes many accidents:

  • Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
  • Bald or aged tires
  • Defective lighting or reflectors
  • Worn steering components
  • Leaking fuel or hydraulic systems

Negligent Cargo Loading

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills:

  • Inadequate number of tiedowns
  • Improper load distribution
  • Failure to use blocking or bracing
  • Overloading beyond securement capacity
  • Failure to re-inspect during transit

Direct Driver Negligence

Drivers may be personally liable for:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
  • Following too closely
  • Distracted driving (cell phone, dispatch communications)
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

What Your Comanche County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements than car accidents because:

  1. Higher Insurance Limits: Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil/large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

  2. Catastrophic Injuries: The injuries from trucking accidents are often life-altering, requiring millions in lifetime care.

  3. Multiple Liable Parties: More defendants mean more insurance coverage available.

Types of Compensation Available

Category What’s Included
Economic Damages Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost 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 Awarded when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety

Settlement Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases

Injury Severity Typical Settlement Range
Minor Injuries (soft tissue) $50,000 – $150,000
Moderate Injuries (fractures, surgery) $150,000 – $500,000
Serious Injuries (TBI, spinal, burns) $500,000 – $5,000,000
Catastrophic Injuries (permanent disability) $1,000,000 – $20,000,000+
Wrongful Death $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While these are not our cases, they demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

  • $730 Million (2021, Texas): Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
  • $150 Million (2022, Texas): Werner settlement – two children killed on I-30
  • $90 Million (Houston, TX): Truck driver burned in explosion
  • $37.5 Million (2024, Texas): Trucking verdict
  • $35.5 Million (Texas): Family injured in truck accident
  • $35 Million (2025, Fort Worth): Largest verdict in Tarrant County history

The Comanche County Legal Process for Trucking Accidents

Step 1: Immediate Action (First 48 Hours)

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek medical attention immediately
  • Document the scene with photos and video
  • Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
  • Collect witness contact information
  • Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Step 2: Evidence Preservation (Days 1-7)

  • We send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence
  • We obtain police crash reports
  • We photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired
  • We identify all potentially liable parties
  • We begin gathering electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS)

Step 3: Investigation (Weeks 1-4)

  • Subpoena driver qualification files
  • Obtain maintenance and inspection records
  • Download ECM and ELD data
  • Analyze drug and alcohol test results
  • Review cell phone records
  • Interview witnesses
  • Hire accident reconstruction experts

Step 4: Medical Treatment and Documentation

  • We help you get the medical care you need
  • We document all injuries and treatment
  • We calculate future medical needs
  • We work with life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Step 5: Demand and Negotiation (Months 3-12)

  • We send a comprehensive demand letter
  • We calculate all economic and non-economic damages
  • We negotiate with insurance companies
  • We reject lowball offers and prepare for litigation

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

  • File lawsuit in Comanche County or federal court
  • Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
  • Retain expert witnesses
  • File motions to compel evidence
  • Prepare for trial

Step 7: Resolution

  • Negotiated settlement (most cases)
  • Mediation (court-ordered or voluntary)
  • Trial and verdict (when necessary)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Comanche County Trucking Case?

1. We’re Comanche County Trucking Accident Specialists

While some firms handle all types of cases, we focus on trucking accidents. We know the federal regulations, the local highways, and exactly how to build a winning case. Our experience includes:

  • Recovering multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
  • Fighting major trucking companies like Werner, Swift, and J.B. Hunt
  • Handling complex cases with multiple liable parties
  • Taking cases to trial when necessary

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

3. We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence

In trucking cases, evidence disappears quickly:

  • ECM/Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
  • ELD data may be retained only 6 months
  • Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Witness memories fade within weeks
  • Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve all evidence before it’s lost.

4. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – giving us the ability to handle complex federal cases.

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Comanche County has a significant Hispanic population, and many truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

6. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict – only if we win your case.

7. We Have a Proven Track Record

  • $50+ million recovered for Texas families
  • Multiple multi-million dollar settlements
  • 251+ Google reviews with 4.9-star average
  • Featured in major media including KHOU 11, ABC13, and Houston Chronicle
  • Recognized as Million Dollar Members by the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association

8. We’re Local to Comanche County

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand Comanche County. We know the local courts, the judges, and the unique challenges of trucking in rural Texas. We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Comanche County attorneys.

What to Do Right Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Comanche County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense.

Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll:

  • Evaluate your case immediately
  • Send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence
  • Advise you on what to do next
  • Answer all your questions
  • Start building your case right away

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. We answer calls 24/7 – because trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Comanche County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Comanche County?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Comanche County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
  • Document the scene with photos and video if possible
  • Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
  • Collect witness contact information
  • Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  • Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Comanche County hospitals like Comanche County Medical Center can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Comanche County?

Document everything possible:

  • Truck and trailer license plates
  • DOT number (on truck door)
  • Trucking company name and logo
  • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  • Photos of all vehicle damage
  • Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Witness names and phone numbers
  • Responding officer’s name and badge number
  • Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Comanche County?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Comanche County?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company/motor carrier
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

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 but for trucks. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records
  • Cell phone records
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

  • Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Enter default judgment in extreme cases
  • Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
  • Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
  • 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

  • Hours of service violations (driving too long)
  • False log entries (lying about driving time)
  • Brake system deficiencies
  • Cargo securement failures
  • Drug and alcohol violations
  • Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
  • Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Driving record check
  • Previous employer verification
  • Medical certification
  • Drug test results
  • Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Comanche County?

Case values depend on many factors:

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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Comanche County?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Comanche County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

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.

Will my trucking accident 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 lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

  • Motor carrier’s liability policy
  • Trailer interchange coverage
  • Cargo insurance
  • Owner-operator’s policy
  • Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

The trucking company has teams of lawyers fighting to minimize your claim. They have rapid-response investigators protecting their interests. They have insurance adjusters trained to lowball your settlement. They have millions in resources to fight your claim.

You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Comanche County and across Texas for over 25 years. We know the federal regulations. We know the local courts. We know how to preserve evidence before it disappears. We know how to maximize your recovery.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer calls 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights.

“You’re not just another case number—you’re family. We treat every client like they’re our own family because we know what it’s like to go through this. When an 18-wheeler changes your life in an instant, you need someone who will fight for you like family.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

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