18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Crane County, Texas
If You’ve Been Hurt in a Trucking Accident, We Can Help
Every year, thousands of families in West Texas face life-changing injuries from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking crash on Crane County’s highways, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our region.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Crane County when you need us most.
Why Crane County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Crane County’s position along major freight corridors creates unique risks for local drivers. Our highways see heavy truck traffic moving between the Permian Basin oil fields and distribution centers across Texas. The long stretches of rural highway, combined with oil field truck traffic and agricultural haulers, create dangerous conditions that require specialized legal knowledge.
We understand Crane County’s trucking corridors, from the busy US-385 corridor to the rural routes that connect our communities. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.
The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents
When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics simply don’t favor the smaller vehicle:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car
- At highway speeds, a truck needs nearly two football fields to stop
- The force of impact can cause life-altering injuries or wrongful death
Common injuries we see in Crane County trucking accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, create permanent disabilities, and change families forever. That’s why holding negligent trucking companies accountable is so important.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Crane County
Our attorneys have investigated hundreds of trucking accidents across West Texas. These are the most common causes we see in Crane County:
Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)
Truck drivers are under intense pressure to meet deadlines, often leading to dangerous fatigue. Federal regulations limit driving time, but many companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits. We’ve seen cases where drivers were on the road for 14+ hours without proper rest breaks.
Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures
Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. In Crane County’s oil field traffic, poorly maintained brakes can be especially dangerous on steep grades and rural roads. We investigate maintenance records to prove when trucking companies cut corners on safety.
Cargo Securement Failures
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that endanger other drivers. This is particularly dangerous with oil field equipment and agricultural loads common in our region.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Cell phone use, texting, and dispatch communications distract truck drivers. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction. Alcohol and drug use also contribute to many accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making accidents more likely and more severe.
Jackknife and Rollover Accidents
These dangerous accidents often occur when drivers brake suddenly or take curves too fast. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are especially prone to jackknifing.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, the results are often fatal. Underride guards are required by federal law, but many trucks have inadequate or missing guards.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Crane County Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:
- The Truck Driver – For negligent acts like speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- Cargo Owners – For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
- Loading Companies – For improper cargo securement
- Truck Manufacturers – For defective vehicles or components
- Parts Manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other parts
- Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
- Freight Brokers – For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (in limited cases)
Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies try to avoid responsibility. We use this insider knowledge to build the strongest possible case for you.
The Critical 48-Hour Window After Your Accident
Evidence disappears fast in trucking accident cases. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence can be lost forever:
- Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days or less
- ELD logs may only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 30 days
- Physical evidence like the truck and trailer may be repaired or sold
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in serious legal consequences for the trucking company.
How We Prove Negligence in Your Trucking Accident Case
Building a strong trucking accident case requires thorough investigation and expertise in federal regulations. Here’s how we prove the trucking company’s negligence:
Electronic Evidence
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
- GPS/Telematics: Track the truck’s route and speed
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Shows what happened before the crash
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification File: Shows hiring practices and background checks
- Driving History: Reveals previous accidents or violations
- Medical Certification: Proves fitness to drive
- Drug/Alcohol Tests: Shows impairment at time of accident
- Training Records: Demonstrates proper or inadequate training
Vehicle Records
- Maintenance Records: Show deferred repairs or poor upkeep
- Inspection Reports: Prove pre-existing violations
- Tire Records: Document age and replacement history
- Brake Adjustment Records: Show compliance with regulations
- Out-of-Service Orders: Prove known safety issues
Company Records
- Dispatch Logs: Show schedule pressure and HOS compliance
- Safety Policies: Demonstrate company culture
- CSA Scores: Reveal pattern of safety violations
- Previous Accidents: Show history of negligence
- Insurance Policies: Determine available coverage
Crane County-Specific Trucking Corridors We Know Well
Our attorneys are familiar with the trucking routes and challenges specific to Crane County:
- US-385 Corridor: Heavy truck traffic connecting to I-10 and I-20
- Rural Oil Field Roads: Dangerous conditions from oil field truck traffic
- Agricultural Routes: Seasonal spikes in truck traffic during harvests
- Local Distribution Routes: Trucks serving Crane County businesses
- Permian Basin Freight Corridor: Heavy equipment and hazardous materials transport
We understand the unique risks of each route and how they contribute to accidents in our region.
What Your Crane County Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth
Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements than car accidents because:
- Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
- The injuries are usually more severe
- Multiple defendants may share liability
Here are some ranges we’ve seen in Texas trucking cases:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
These are ranges only – every case is unique. The actual value depends on your specific injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of the trucking company’s negligence.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Crane County Trucking Case?
We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Crane County advocates with the experience and resources to take on the largest trucking companies:
✅ 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve secured verdicts and settlements worth millions
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorneys: Our team knows how insurers try to minimize claims
✅ Federal Court Experience: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
✅ Local Knowledge: We understand Crane County’s trucking corridors and courts
✅ Aggressive Representation: We prepare every case as if going to trial
✅ No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront – our fee comes from your recovery
✅ Bilingual Services: Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña and our staff speak Spanish
✅ 24/7 Availability: We answer trucking accident calls immediately
What Our Clients Say About Us
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client
“I got a very nice settlement.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client
Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident in Crane County
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked out – adrenaline masks pain
- Document the Scene: Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
- Get Driver Information: Name, CDL number, trucking company, insurance details
- Collect Witness Info: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
- Don’t Give Statements: Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
- Call Attorney911: The sooner we can start preserving evidence, the stronger your case
Common Questions About Crane County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can start building your case, the stronger it will be.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
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.
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 lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary:
- Simple cases: 6-12 months
- Complex cases: 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You don’t need to. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Crane County Trucking Accident Resources
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Crane County, these local resources may help:
- Crane County Sheriff’s Office: (432) 558-1111
- Crane Memorial Hospital: (432) 558-3555
- Texas Department of Transportation – Crane County: Provides road condition updates
- Crane County Courthouse: Where your case would likely be filed
- Local trauma centers: For serious injuries, transport may go to Midland or Odessa
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve someone fighting for you. At Attorney911, we level the playing field:
- We know how insurance companies evaluate claims
- We understand their tactics to minimize payouts
- We have the resources to take on the largest trucking companies
- We fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Crane County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Crane County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
