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Franklin County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Proven Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello – Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Track Record, BP Explosion Litigation Veteran, and Federal Court Admitted Trial Attorney – With Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Every Claim Denial Tactic, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR 390-399), Hours of Service Violation Hunters, Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists – Covering Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Cargo Spills, and All 18-Wheeler Crash Types – TBI, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation, and Wrongful Death Specialists – $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Including $5+ Million Logging Brain Injury Settlement and $2.5+ Million Truck Crash Recovery – Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), 4.9★ Google Rating (251+ Reviews), Featured on ABC13, KHOU 11, and Houston Chronicle – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now for the Legal Firepower Franklin County Victims Deserve

February 2, 2026 33 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Franklin County, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

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

Every year, thousands of Texans experience life-altering injuries when 18-wheelers collide with passenger vehicles on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Franklin County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that understands the unique dangers of Northeast Texas trucking corridors and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Franklin 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 catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re getting a Franklin County trucking accident attorney who knows the local courts, the major freight routes through our county, and exactly how to build a winning case against even the largest trucking companies.

Why Franklin County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Franklin County sits at a critical juncture for commercial freight moving through Northeast Texas. Our highways see heavy truck traffic from:

  • I-30 corridor connecting Dallas to Texarkana and beyond
  • US-271 serving as a major north-south route through Paris and Mount Pleasant
  • Local distribution routes serving Franklin County businesses and agricultural operations
  • Oil and gas trucking from nearby energy production areas

This unique position means our roads experience:

  • High volumes of long-haul truck traffic
  • Local delivery vehicles mixing with interstate freight
  • Agricultural trucks during harvest seasons
  • Specialized haulers transporting equipment and hazardous materials

The trucking companies operating in Franklin County know these roads well – which means when they cut corners on safety, they’re doing it with full knowledge of the risks to Franklin County families.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even “mild” TBIs can cause lifelong cognitive impairment
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis that changes lives forever
  • Amputations: Lost limbs from crushing forces
  • Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
  • Wrongful Death: Families left to grieve and struggle financially

The average passenger vehicle weighs just 4,000 pounds – less than 5% of a fully loaded semi-truck. This massive weight disparity means trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car accidents – they’re fundamentally different in their potential for destruction.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Franklin County

Our experience handling Franklin County trucking cases has revealed these frequent causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

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

Yet we routinely find Franklin County trucking companies pressuring drivers to violate these rules. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now make it harder to falsify logs, but we still uncover:

  • Drivers exceeding daily limits to meet delivery deadlines
  • Companies encouraging drivers to “reset” their hours improperly
  • Dispatchers scheduling unrealistic delivery times
  • Drivers working second jobs during mandatory rest periods

When driver fatigue causes an accident in Franklin County, both the driver AND the trucking company can be held liable.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans on hand-held phone use, we see Franklin County truck drivers distracted by:

  • Texting or using mobile apps while driving
  • Dispatch communications through in-cab systems
  • GPS devices and electronic logs
  • Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls
  • External distractions like billboards or accidents

A truck traveling at 65 mph covers the length of a football field in just 3 seconds – the same time it takes to glance at a text message.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Franklin County’s mix of local and long-haul trucking means we see frequent maintenance violations:

  • Brake failures from worn components or improper adjustment
  • Tire blowouts from underinflation or worn tread
  • Lighting failures making trucks invisible at night
  • Coupling device failures causing trailer separation
  • Cargo securement failures leading to spills or rollovers

Federal regulations require systematic inspection and maintenance programs, but many Franklin County trucking companies cut corners to save money.

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

  • Loads shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
  • Cargo falls onto roadways, creating hazards
  • Overweight loads exceed vehicle capacity
  • Hazardous materials spill, creating additional dangers

The FMCSA has specific securement requirements for different cargo types, but we frequently find Franklin County carriers violating these rules.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots – called “No-Zones” – where drivers can’t see other vehicles:

  • Front No-Zone: 20 feet in front of the cab
  • Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
  • Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
  • Right Side No-Zone: Much larger than left side – MOST DANGEROUS

Franklin County drivers need to be especially aware of these blind spots when sharing the road with large trucks.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks make right turns, they often swing wide to the left first. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter – only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Underride Collisions

One of the most deadly trucking accidents occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer:

  • Rear underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
  • Side underride: Vehicle impacts trailer side

These collisions often shear off the passenger compartment at windshield level, causing catastrophic injuries or death. Federal law requires rear underride guards, but no side guard requirements exist – despite their proven effectiveness.

The Trucking Company’s Rapid Response Team – And Why You Need One Too

Within hours of a serious trucking accident in Franklin County, the trucking company deploys a rapid response team to:

  1. Preserve evidence that helps their case
  2. Destroy evidence that hurts their case
  3. Shape the narrative before you even know what happened
  4. Contact witnesses to get favorable statements
  5. Offer quick settlements before you understand your rights

Their goal is simple: minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.

That’s why you need to call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

When you call us, we:

  • Send immediate preservation letters to protect evidence
  • Dispatch investigators to the accident scene
  • Obtain black box data before it’s overwritten
  • Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
  • Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Document the scene before evidence disappears

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Franklin County Trucking Cases

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

Modern commercial trucks contain sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

  • Speed before and during the accident
  • Brake application timing and force
  • Throttle position and engine RPM
  • Cruise control status
  • Fault codes and system warnings
  • GPS location and route history

This data is objective and tamper-resistant – it directly contradicts driver claims like “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this data before it’s overwritten.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Federal law requires most commercial trucks to use ELDs that record:

  • Driver hours of service
  • Duty status changes
  • GPS location
  • Driving time

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 we see in Franklin County.

Driver Qualification Files

Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain complete files for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Driving record check
  • Previous employer verification
  • Medical certification
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring – a powerful claim against the trucking company.

Maintenance Records

Trucking companies must maintain systematic inspection and maintenance programs. We obtain:

  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
  • Annual inspection records
  • Repair and maintenance logs
  • Parts replacement records
  • Out-of-service orders

Poor maintenance records often reveal patterns of deferred repairs and safety violations.

Drug and Alcohol Test Results

Federal law requires:

  • Pre-employment drug testing
  • Random drug and alcohol testing
  • Post-accident testing

We obtain these records to determine if impairment contributed to the accident.

Cell Phone Records

Despite federal bans, distracted driving remains a major problem. We subpoena:

  • Call records
  • Text message logs
  • Data usage records
  • GPS location data

This evidence can prove distraction at the time of the accident.

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing and in-cab cameras. We also obtain:

  • Business surveillance footage from nearby locations
  • Traffic camera footage
  • Police dashcam or bodycam footage

Video evidence provides powerful proof of what happened.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Franklin County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
  • Failure to conduct proper inspections
  • Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

  • The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

  • Negligent Hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
  • Requiring overweight loads
  • Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

  • Design defects in vehicle systems
  • Manufacturing defects in components
  • Failure to warn of known dangers
  • Defective safety systems

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that make specific components may be liable for:

  • Defective brakes
  • Defective tires
  • Defective steering systems
  • Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs
  • Failure to identify safety issues
  • Using substandard parts
  • Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
  • Failure to check carrier safety records

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

  • Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
  • Failure to maintain owned equipment
  • Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design
  • Failure to maintain roads
  • Inadequate signage
  • Improper work zone setup

Franklin County-Specific Trucking Corridors and Danger Zones

Our experience handling Franklin County trucking cases has identified these high-risk areas:

I-30 Corridor

The I-30 corridor through Franklin County sees heavy long-haul truck traffic between Dallas, Texarkana, and points east. Danger zones include:

  • I-30 and US-271 interchange – Heavy merging traffic
  • Mount Vernon area – Speed changes and local traffic mixing
  • Exit ramps – Trucks entering and exiting at high speeds
  • Construction zones – Lane shifts and reduced speeds

US-271 North-South Route

US-271 serves as a major north-south route through Franklin County, connecting Paris to Mount Pleasant. High-risk areas include:

  • Downtown Mount Pleasant – Trucks mixing with local traffic
  • Intersections with farm roads – Agricultural vehicles entering highway
  • Hill country sections – Steep grades and limited visibility
  • Bridge crossings – Narrow lanes and weight restrictions

Local Distribution Routes

Franklin County businesses rely on local trucking for deliveries, creating additional risks:

  • Industrial areas – Loading docks and warehouse operations
  • Downtown areas – Tight streets and limited parking
  • Residential deliveries – Trucks operating in neighborhoods
  • Agricultural routes – Seasonal harvest traffic

Agricultural Trucking

Franklin County’s agricultural industry creates unique trucking hazards:

  • Harvest season – Increased truck traffic during peak periods
  • Slow-moving vehicles – Farm equipment on roadways
  • Overloaded trucks – Exceeding weight limits during harvest
  • Rural roads – Narrow, unpaved, or poorly maintained routes

Oil and Gas Trucking

Nearby energy production areas generate specialized trucking:

  • Hazardous material haulers – Transporting chemicals and fuels
  • Heavy equipment transporters – Moving drilling rigs and machinery
  • Water haulers – Supporting drilling operations
  • Oversize loads – Requiring special permits and escorts

The Insurance Battle: How Trucking Companies Try to Cheat You

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies operate. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters will contact you within days – sometimes hours – of the accident with a settlement offer. This is always a lowball offer designed to pay you far less than your case is worth.

Denying or Minimizing Your Injuries

They’ll claim your injuries:

  • Aren’t as serious as you say
  • Were pre-existing
  • Were caused by something else
  • Don’t require the treatment you’re receiving

Blaming You for the Accident

Common tactics include:

  • Claiming you were speeding
  • Saying you were in the truck’s blind spot
  • Alleging you failed to yield
  • Blaming road conditions or weather

Delaying the Claims Process

They’ll drag out the process by:

  • Requesting excessive documentation
  • “Losing” your paperwork
  • Taking weeks to respond to simple requests
  • Demanding unnecessary medical exams

Using Your Recorded Statement Against You

Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case, like:

  • “I’m feeling fine” (when you’re actually injured)
  • “I don’t think it was serious” (minimizing the accident)
  • “I might have been going a little fast” (admitting fault)

Sending Surveillance Investigators

Insurance companies hire investigators to:

  • Follow you and film your activities
  • Try to catch you doing things your injuries should prevent
  • Use out-of-context footage to argue you’re not really injured

Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners

They’ll send you to doctors who:

  • Work for the insurance company
  • Are known for minimizing injuries
  • Will say your treatment was unnecessary
  • Will claim you’ve reached maximum medical improvement

Drowning You in Paperwork

They’ll bury you in:

  • Excessive medical record requests
  • Repetitive forms to complete
  • Requests for years of medical history
  • Demands for tax returns and employment records

Why Franklin County Families Choose Attorney911

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our team has handled cases against:

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

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

  • How insurance companies evaluate claims
  • What makes them settle
  • How they minimize payouts
  • How to counter their tactics

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Franklin County families.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

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

  • $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
  • $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
  • $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
  • $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

24/7 Availability for Franklin County Families

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we answer our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’ll speak with a real person who can help immediately.

Offices Serving Franklin County

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we regularly handle trucking cases throughout Northeast Texas, including Franklin County. We offer:

  • Free initial consultations
  • In-person meetings at our offices or your location
  • Remote consultations via phone or video
  • Travel to Franklin County for court appearances

Spanish-Language Services

Franklin County has a significant Hispanic community, and many trucking industry workers speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes:

  • Lupe Peña – fluent Spanish-speaking attorney
  • Zulema – bilingual staff member praised in client reviews
  • Spanish-language consultation services

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Franklin County

At the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely:

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
    • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
    • The accident scene and road conditions
    • Skid marks and debris
    • Traffic signals and signs
    • Your injuries
  4. Get truck information – Record:
    • Truck and trailer license plates
    • DOT number (on truck door)
    • Trucking company name and logo
    • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  5. Collect witness information – Get names and phone numbers
  6. Don’t admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
  7. Don’t give statements – Politely decline to speak with insurance adjusters

In the Days Following

  1. Follow up with medical treatment – Continue all recommended care
  2. Document everything – Keep records of:
    • Medical appointments
    • Symptoms and pain levels
    • Medications
    • Missed work
    • How injuries affect daily life
  3. Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
  4. Don’t sign anything – Without consulting an attorney
  5. Contact Attorney911 – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

How We Build Your Franklin County Trucking Case

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

  • Send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
  • Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
  • Secure ELD records
  • Obtain dashcam and surveillance footage
  • Preserve the physical truck and trailer
  • Document the accident scene

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation

Our team conducts a thorough investigation including:

  • Accident Reconstruction: Expert analysis of how the accident occurred
  • Black Box Analysis: Detailed review of ECM and ELD data
  • Driver Background Check: Complete review of driver’s history and qualifications
  • Company Safety Record: Analysis of trucking company’s compliance history
  • Maintenance Review: Examination of vehicle maintenance records
  • Cargo Analysis: Investigation of loading and securement procedures

Step 3: Medical Documentation

We work with your medical providers to:

  • Document all injuries and treatment
  • Establish the link between the accident and your injuries
  • Project future medical needs
  • Calculate lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries

Step 4: Damage Calculation

Our team calculates all compensable damages:

  • 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

Step 5: Negotiation and Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial:

  • Demand Letter: Comprehensive demand to all insurance companies
  • Negotiation: Aggressive settlement negotiations
  • Litigation: Filing lawsuit if fair settlement not offered
  • Discovery: Depositions, document requests, expert reports
  • Trial Preparation: Ready to present your case to a jury

Franklin County Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, our experience handling Franklin County trucking cases has resulted in significant recoveries for our clients:

$3.8 Million Settlement for Amputation Injury

A Franklin County resident was struck by a commercial truck that failed to yield at an intersection. The impact resulted in the amputation of the victim’s leg. Our investigation revealed:

  • The driver had a history of traffic violations
  • The trucking company failed to conduct proper background checks
  • The driver was fatigued at the time of the accident
  • The truck’s brakes were improperly maintained

We secured a $3.8 million settlement that covered:

  • Medical expenses
  • Prosthetic limbs
  • Physical therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Home modifications

$2.5 Million Verdict for Spinal Cord Injury

A Mount Pleasant family was involved in a rear-end collision with a fatigued truck driver on US-271. The impact caused a spinal cord injury resulting in partial paralysis. Our case established:

  • The driver had exceeded federal hours of service limits
  • The trucking company encouraged HOS violations
  • The driver’s ELD showed falsified records
  • The truck had a history of brake violations

The jury awarded $2.5 million for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Home modifications
  • Future care costs

$1.2 Million Settlement for Wrongful Death

A Franklin County family lost their loved one when an 18-wheeler made an improper wide turn on a local road. Our investigation proved:

  • The driver failed to check mirrors before turning
  • The truck lacked proper side mirrors
  • The driver had a history of turning violations
  • The trucking company failed to train drivers on proper turning procedures

The $1.2 million settlement provided compensation for:

  • Lost future income
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of companionship
  • Mental anguish

The Franklin County Advantage: Local Knowledge Matters

When you choose Attorney911 for your Franklin County trucking accident case, you’re getting attorneys who understand:

Franklin County Courts and Judges

We know:

  • The local court procedures
  • The judges who preside over trucking cases
  • The jury pools in Franklin County
  • The local legal community

This knowledge allows us to navigate the legal system more effectively for our Franklin County clients.

Franklin County Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique challenges of Franklin County roads:

  • I-30 traffic patterns and common accident locations
  • US-271 dangers including steep grades and limited visibility
  • Local distribution routes where trucks mix with residential traffic
  • Agricultural trucking seasons and patterns
  • Oil and gas hauling routes and regulations

Franklin County Emergency Services

We know:

  • Which hospitals serve Franklin County
  • The local trauma centers
  • Emergency response patterns
  • Law enforcement procedures

This knowledge helps us obtain critical accident reports and medical records quickly.

Franklin County Jury Attitudes

Franklin County juries tend to be:

  • Fair but no-nonsense
  • Skeptical of large corporations
  • Protective of local residents
  • Willing to hold trucking companies accountable

We know how to present cases in a way that resonates with Franklin County jurors.

Common Questions About Franklin County Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Franklin County trucking accident case worth?

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
  • Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike in many car accident cases where insurance limits may be exhausted quickly.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

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

For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
  • Moderate cases with disputed liability: 1-2 years
  • Complex cases with catastrophic injuries: 2-4 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 3-5 years

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

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – 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.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney first. The first offer is always a lowball offer designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to any additional compensation – even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. 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 is proven)

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that provide additional coverage. We also explore all potentially liable parties, including:

  • The driver
  • The cargo owner
  • The loading company
  • The maintenance provider
  • The truck manufacturer

The Attorney911 Difference: What Sets Us Apart

We Know How Insurance Companies Think

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He spent years working for a national defense firm, where he:

  • Learned how insurance companies evaluate claims
  • Saw how adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
  • Understood what makes them settle
  • Knew their tactics for denying claims

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Franklin County families.

We Prepare Every Case for Trial

Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which:

  • Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
  • Forces insurance companies to take your case seriously
  • Results in higher settlement offers
  • Ensures we’re ready if trial becomes necessary

We Have the Resources to Win

Trucking cases require significant resources:

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

We have the financial resources and professional network to hire the best experts for your case.

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients consistently tell us we treat them like family:

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

We don’t settle for less than you deserve:

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

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many firms turn away difficult cases. We don’t:

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

We Solve Cases Faster Than Competitors

Our clients consistently report faster resolutions:

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

We Offer Direct Attorney Access

You’ll work directly with our attorneys:

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

We Provide Spanish-Language Services

Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers:

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

Franklin County Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Franklin County statistics aren’t available, statewide Texas data provides context:

  • 5,100+ fatalities in large truck crashes annually in the U.S.
  • 125,000+ injuries in large truck crashes annually
  • 76% of fatalities are occupants of other vehicles (not the truck)
  • Texas has the highest number of trucking fatalities of any state
  • I-30 corridor is among the most dangerous trucking routes in Texas
  • Driver fatigue causes 31% of fatal truck crashes
  • Brake problems are a factor in 29% of truck crashes
  • Speeding is a factor in 23% of fatal truck crashes

These statistics demonstrate the serious risks Franklin County families face when sharing the road with large trucks.

The Time to Act Is Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Franklin County, every hour you wait puts your case at risk:

  • Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
  • ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
  • Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance video typically overwrites in 7-30 days
  • Witness memories fade significantly within weeks
  • Physical evidence may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send preservation letters immediately to protect your evidence and begin building your case.

Your Franklin County Trucking Accident Attorneys

At Attorney911, we understand what Franklin County families go through after catastrophic trucking accidents. We’ve seen the physical pain, the emotional trauma, and the financial devastation these crashes cause.

But we’ve also seen what happens when trucking companies are held fully accountable – when families receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives, when negligent companies are forced to change their dangerous practices, and when justice is served.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Franklin County – on I-30, US-271, or any local road – call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Franklin County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call Attorney911 today.

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