18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Hood County, Texas

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

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 Hood County’s trucking corridors, from the busy US-377 corridor to the rural routes serving local agriculture and oilfield operations. This local knowledge, combined with our comprehensive understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents because of the massive size disparity and the complex web of regulations governing commercial vehicles. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller vehicles, the physics of the impact often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• Maintenance providers
• Freight brokers

This complexity means your case requires an attorney who understands how to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue claims against each of them.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Hood County

Hood County’s mix of rural highways, agricultural roads, and oilfield access routes creates unique challenges for truck drivers. Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents we see in this area include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest. The Hours of Service (HOS) rules specify:

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

Despite these regulations, many trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When we investigate trucking accidents, we always examine the driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to identify HOS violations.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Federal regulations require regular maintenance and inspections, but many trucking companies cut corners to save costs. Common maintenance failures we see include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially roll over. Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Federal regulations specify:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
• Securement systems must withstand specific forces (0.8g forward, 0.5g lateral and rearward)
• Specific requirements for different types of cargo (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions while operating their vehicles:

• Cell phone use (texting or talking)
• Dispatch communications
• GPS navigation
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting in-cab electronics

Federal regulations prohibit hand-held mobile phone use while driving commercial vehicles. Violations can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.

Speeding and Following Too Closely

The stopping distance for a fully loaded truck at 65 mph is approximately 525 feet – nearly two football fields. This is 40% longer than the stopping distance for a passenger vehicle. When truck drivers follow too closely or speed, they cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.

Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of:

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications

Federal regulations require pre-employment and random drug testing, but violations still occur.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Hood County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle similar to a pocket knife. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes of traffic.

Common causes in Hood County:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity, rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents.

Common causes in Hood County:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction
• Road design defects (inadequate banking on curves)

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.

Statistics:

• Among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents
• Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the United States
• Rear underride and side underride are both deadly; side underride has no federal guard requirement

Common causes in Hood County:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions (night, fog, rain)
• Truck lane changes into blind spots
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic
• Inadequate rear lighting or reflectors

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle or when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck. Due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

Common causes in Hood County:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

Why trucks make wide turns:

• 18-wheelers need significant space to complete turns
• The trailer tracks inside the path of the cab
• Drivers must swing wide to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings

Common causes in Hood County:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
• Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turn
• Poor intersection design forcing wide turns

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Blind spot accidents occur when an 18-wheeler changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots (No-Zones).

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab – driver cannot see low vehicles
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer – no rear-view mirror visibility
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – smaller than right side
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward, much larger than left – MOST DANGEROUS

Common causes in Hood County:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
• Inadequate mirror checking during sustained maneuvers
• Driver distraction during lane changes
• Driver fatigue affecting situational awareness
• Failure to use turn signals allowing other drivers to anticipate

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts occur when one or more tires on an 18-wheeler suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control. Debris from the blown tire can also strike other vehicles.

Statistics:

• 18-wheelers have 18 tires, each of which can fail
• Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous – can cause immediate loss of control
• “Road gators” (tire debris) cause thousands of accidents annually

Common causes in Hood County:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels
• Heat buildup on long hauls
• Inadequate pre-trip tire inspections

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure accidents occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time to avoid a collision.

Statistics:

• Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes
• Brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations
• Complete brake failure is often the result of systematic maintenance neglect

Common causes in Hood County:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Cargo spill and shift accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls from a truck, shifts during transport causing instability, or spills onto the roadway.

Statistics:

• Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations
• Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when center of gravity changes
• Spilled cargo on highways causes secondary accidents

Types:

• Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo Spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat Spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

Common causes in Hood County:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

Catastrophic Injuries from Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that even at moderate speeds, the impact forces can be devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Common Symptoms:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss, confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work
• Need for ongoing care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Depression and emotional disorders

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Level of Injury Matters:

• Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only – not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputation

Types of Amputation:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in 18-Wheeler Accidents Due To:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Impact on Life:

• Permanent disability
• Career limitations or total disability
• Phantom limb pain
• Body image and psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications
• Dependency on others for daily activities

Severe Burns

How Burns Occur in 18-Wheeler Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Types of Claims:

• Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
• Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death

Damages Available Under Texas Law:

• Lost future income and employment benefits
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress (for surviving family)
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, recklessness, or malice)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hood County Trucking Accident Case

Decades of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

With over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases, Attorney911 has the knowledge and resources to take on even the largest trucking companies. We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in negotiations and litigation.

Comprehensive Investigation Process

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   • Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
   • Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal

2. FMCSA Records Review

   • Obtain carrier’s complete safety record
   • Review CSA scores and inspection history
   • Identify pattern of violations

3. Driver Qualification File Subpoena

   • Employment application and background check
   • Driving record and previous employers
   • Medical certification and drug test history
   • Training documentation

4. Corporate Structure Analysis

   • Identify all related companies
   • Determine owner-operator vs. employee status
   • Map insurance coverage for each entity

5. Accident Reconstruction

   • Retain expert engineers
   • Analyze ECM and ELD data
   • Determine sequence of events and contributing factors

6. Defect Investigation

   • Preserve failed components
   • Research recall and complaint history
   • Retain product liability experts if warranted

Aggressive Litigation When Necessary

While most cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Local Knowledge of Hood County

We understand Hood County’s unique trucking environment:

• Highway 377 Corridor: Heavy truck traffic serving local agriculture and oilfield operations
• Rural Roads: Unique challenges including limited lighting, wildlife crossings, and variable road conditions
• Local Courts: Familiarity with Hood County judges and court procedures
• Agricultural Trucking: Special considerations for farm equipment and livestock transport
• Oilfield Traffic: Heavy equipment and hazardous materials transport

This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases tailored to the specific circumstances of Hood County accidents.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hood County

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Hood County, taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Report all injuries, even if they seem minor

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Adrenaline can mask pain and serious injuries
   • Some injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately
   • Medical records create crucial evidence for your case

3. Document the Scene

   • Take photographs of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
   • Take pictures of your injuries
   • Get contact information from witnesses

4. Collect Truck and Driver Information

   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number (on truck door)
   • Trucking company name and logo
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information

5. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

   • Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
   • Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
   • Let your attorney handle all communications

6. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

   • Critical evidence disappears quickly
   • We send preservation letters within hours to protect your evidence
   • The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be

Common Questions About Trucking Accidents in Hood County

How much is my 18-wheeler 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
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more. This higher coverage allows for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

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.

How long will my case take?

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hood County, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every hour that passes, critical evidence is disappearing. 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 consultation. We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• Contingency fee representation – you pay nothing unless we win
• 24/7 availability for emergencies
• Aggressive representation against trucking companies
• Local knowledge of Hood County courts and trucking corridors

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for truck accident victims. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families just like yours.

Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers and insurance adjusters take advantage of you. You deserve an aggressive advocate who will fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

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