18-Wheeler Accidents in Howard County: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, hundreds of families in West Texas face life-changing consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking collision on I-20, US-87, or any of Howard County’s highways, you need more than just medical care—you need a legal team that understands the unique challenges of trucking cases in 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 against major trucking companies, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize your claim. When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re getting Howard County’s most experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys working for you.

Why Howard County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Howard County sits at the crossroads of major freight routes, with I-20 carrying thousands of trucks daily between El Paso and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Our local highways see a mix of long-haul truckers, oilfield equipment haulers, and agricultural transporters—each bringing unique risks to our roads.

The Trucking Corridors Serving Howard County

Howard County’s position in West Texas makes it a critical junction for several major trucking routes:

• I-20 Corridor: The primary east-west route through Big Spring and the county, connecting Midland-Odessa to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This interstate sees heavy truck traffic from oilfield equipment haulers, retail distribution trucks, and long-haul carriers.

• US-87: Running north-south through Big Spring, this highway connects to San Angelo and Lubbock, carrying agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and regional freight.

• FM 700 and FM 821: Local farm-to-market roads that see significant truck traffic from agricultural operations, including cotton, grain, and livestock transport.

• Oilfield Access Roads: The Permian Basin’s continued expansion means increased truck traffic hauling drilling equipment, fracking materials, and crude oil through Howard County.

Our attorneys know these routes intimately. We understand the specific challenges drivers face at the I-20/US-87 interchange, the dangers of oilfield equipment on rural roads, and the fatigue risks for truckers making long hauls across West Texas.

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 are simple but brutal: your 4,000-pound car is no match for a fully loaded tractor-trailer.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Howard County

Jackknife Accidents
These occur when a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On I-20, jackknifes frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups, especially during sudden weather changes common in West Texas.

Rollover Accidents
Howard County’s mix of highway speeds and rural road curves creates ideal conditions for rollovers. When cargo shifts or drivers take curves too fast, trailers can tip, crushing vehicles beneath them.

Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific trucking accident type, underrides happen when a passenger vehicle slides beneath a trailer. The trailer’s height often shears off the vehicle’s roof, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many trucks still lack adequate protection.

Rear-End Collisions
Trucks need nearly two football fields to stop from highway speeds. When truckers follow too closely on I-20 or fail to react to traffic slowdowns, the resulting impacts often cause permanent injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents
Big Spring’s downtown intersections and rural road junctions create hazards when truckers swing wide to make right turns, often trapping vehicles in the “squeeze play” between the truck and curb.

Blind Spot Collisions
Trucks have massive blind spots—especially on the right side where the “No-Zone” extends the entire length of the trailer. Lane changes on I-20 without proper mirror checks frequently cause sideswipe accidents.

Tire Blowouts
West Texas heat and long highway stretches take a toll on truck tires. Blowouts on I-20 can cause loss of control, sending debris flying that strikes other vehicles.

Brake Failures
The long descents west of Big Spring test truck braking systems. When maintenance is deferred, brakes can overheat and fail, leading to runaway trucks.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Howard County Trucking Cases

Trucking accidents don’t just cause injuries—they change lives forever. The victims we represent in Howard County often suffer:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can leave victims with permanent cognitive impairments, personality changes, and the inability to work or care for themselves.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) and paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) require lifetime medical care and home modifications.

Amputations
Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Prosthetics cost tens of thousands of dollars and must be replaced every few years.

Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat cargo spills can cause third-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and years of rehabilitation.

Internal Organ Damage
The force of truck collisions can rupture internal organs, cause internal bleeding, and require emergency surgery to save lives.

Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for lost income, companionship, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one.

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

The Trucking Company Playbook: How They Try to Avoid Responsibility

Within hours of an accident, trucking companies activate their rapid-response teams. Their goal isn’t to help you—it’s to protect their interests. Here’s what they do and how we counter their tactics:

1. They Send Investigators to the Scene Immediately
Trucking companies dispatch investigators to document the scene before you’ve even left the hospital. They’ll photograph the vehicles, interview witnesses, and collect evidence—all to build their defense.

Our Response: We send our own investigators immediately. We preserve black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage before it can be overwritten or deleted.

2. They Pressure Drivers to Give Statements
Truck drivers are often pressured to give recorded statements to company investigators before they’ve had time to recover from the shock of the accident.

Our Response: We advise our clients NEVER to give statements to insurance companies without legal representation. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

3. They Offer Quick, Lowball Settlements
Insurance adjusters often contact victims within days of the accident, offering quick settlements that fall far short of covering long-term medical needs.

Our Response: We never accept early settlement offers. We wait until we fully understand the extent of your injuries and future medical needs before negotiating.

4. They Blame the Victim
Common tactics include claiming you were in their blind spot, that you cut them off, or that you were speeding.

Our Response: We gather objective evidence—black box data, witness statements, surveillance footage—to prove what really happened.

5. They Destroy Evidence
Trucking companies sometimes “lose” maintenance records, driver logs, or other documents that could prove negligence.

Our Response: We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, putting them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in serious consequences.

“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.”

The Evidence We Preserve in Howard County Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within weeks. Witness memories fade quickly. That’s why we act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD records (hours of service, driving time)
• GPS tracking data (route, speed, stops)
• Cell phone records (distracted driving evidence)
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and drug test history
• Training records and certifications

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for trucking companies and drivers. Violations of these regulations often prove negligence in Howard County trucking cases:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Truck drivers are limited to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate HOS rules, they’re too tired to react safely.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must:

• Verify drivers have valid commercial driver’s licenses
• Conduct background checks
• Verify previous employment
• Ensure medical fitness
• Maintain complete Driver Qualification Files

When companies fail to properly vet drivers, they can be liable for negligent hiring.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards (49 CFR Part 396)
Trucking companies must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles
• Keep maintenance records
• Ensure pre-trip inspections are conducted
• Address known defects immediately

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of truck crashes. When maintenance is deferred, the results can be deadly.

Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393)
Cargo must be:

• Contained, immobilized, or secured
• Able to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward
• Able to withstand 0.5g acceleration rearward
• Able to withstand 0.5g lateral forces

When cargo shifts or spills, it can cause rollovers, debris hazards, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Who We Hold Accountable in Howard County Trucking Cases

In car accident cases, liability usually falls on one driver. In trucking cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. The Truck Driver
When drivers speed, drive distracted, operate while fatigued, or violate traffic laws, they can be held personally liable.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Companies are liable for their drivers’ actions under respondeat superior. They can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor drivers)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
When cargo is improperly loaded, mislabeled, or requires special handling, the company that arranged the shipment may share liability.

4. The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies that improperly secure cargo can be liable when loads shift or spill.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
When design or manufacturing defects contribute to accidents—such as brake failures, tire defects, or stability control issues—manufacturers can be held liable.

6. Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufacture defective components (brakes, tires, steering systems) can be liable for product liability.

7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers that perform negligent repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues can share liability.

8. Freight Brokers
Brokers that arrange transportation can be liable if they select carriers with poor safety records.

9. Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may share liability for vehicle maintenance and driver fitness.

10. Government Entities
When road design defects, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contribute to accidents, government agencies may share liability.

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved

At Attorney911, we don’t just talk about fighting trucking companies—we’ve won multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements that prove our ability to hold them accountable:

• $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

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Why Howard County Families Choose Attorney911

1. We’re Howard County’s Trucking Accident Specialists
While other firms handle a variety of cases, we focus on trucking accidents. We know the FMCSA regulations inside and out, understand how trucking companies operate, and have the resources to fight them effectively.

2. We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters, and try to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.

3. We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, demanding preservation of black box data, ELD records, maintenance logs, and other critical evidence. We know what evidence to look for and how to secure it before it’s destroyed.

4. We Have Federal Court Experience
With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may require federal litigation. Many Howard County trucking cases involve carriers from other states, making federal court experience essential.

5. We Speak Spanish
Howard County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff members who can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients.

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

6. We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You only pay if we win your case. This means you get top-tier legal representation without financial risk.

7. We Have Offices Across Texas
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Howard County. Our attorneys regularly handle cases throughout West Texas and can meet with you in Big Spring or arrange a virtual consultation.

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

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately
Report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out at Big Spring Medical Center or another local hospital. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

2. Seek Medical Attention
Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. Many trucking accident injuries—like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries—may not show symptoms right away.

3. Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photographs and video of:

• All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
• The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals)
• Your injuries
• Any visible cargo spills or equipment failures
• Witnesses (get names and contact information)

4. Get Trucking Company Information
Record:

• The trucking company name and DOT number
• The driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
• The truck and trailer license plate numbers
• The cargo being transported

5. Don’t Give Statements to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.

6. Call Attorney911 Immediately
Time is critical in trucking cases. Evidence disappears quickly. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and building your case.

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Fight for You

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within hours of being retained, we:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and dashcam data
• Secure the physical truck and trailer for inspection
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Photograph the scene and vehicles before repairs

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation
We investigate every aspect of the accident:

• Download and analyze black box data
• Obtain and review ELD records for HOS violations
• Subpoena cell phone records for distracted driving evidence
• Review maintenance records for deferred repairs
• Analyze cargo loading and securement
• Investigate the driver’s background and training

Step 3: Expert Analysis
We work with top experts to build your case:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Medical experts to document your injuries
• Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts
• Economists to calculate future damages

Step 4: Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate from a position of strength:

• We never accept lowball settlement offers
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We leverage our reputation for taking cases to verdict
• We use our insider knowledge of insurance company tactics

Step 5: Trial Preparation
If the trucking company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to take your case to court:

• We have federal court experience
• We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts
• We know how to present complex trucking cases to juries

Howard County Trucking Accident Case Values

Every case is unique, but our experience handling trucking cases in Howard County gives us insight into potential case values:

These ranges represent typical settlements and verdicts in Texas trucking cases. Actual case values depend on:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car insurance policies—often $1 million to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

The Statute of Limitations for Howard County Trucking Cases

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it means losing your right to compensation forever.

However, you should never wait to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we begin investigating your case, the stronger it will be.

For wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is also 2 years from the date of death.

Frequently Asked Questions About Howard County Trucking Accidents

Q: How much is my Howard County trucking accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the trucking company’s degree of negligence. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits, allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.

Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
A: No. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney.

Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. We gather evidence to prove what really happened.

Q: How long will my case take to resolve?
A: Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: We investigate all potentially liable parties, including the cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, and others. We also explore all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Attorney911?
A: 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.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
A: Once we send a spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation. Courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment against the trucking company.

Q: How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?
A: We obtain ELD records that show hours of service violations. We also look for patterns of excessive driving, inadequate rest breaks, and dispatch records that show pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Recent Howard County Trucking Accident Cases

While we can’t discuss specific cases we’re currently handling, recent trucking accidents in Howard County demonstrate the risks our community faces:

• In 2023, a jackknife accident on I-20 near Big Spring closed the interstate for hours, causing a multi-vehicle pileup.
• A rollover accident on US-87 near Coahoma in 2022 resulted in a hazmat spill that required evacuation of nearby homes.
• In 2021, a truck tire blowout on I-20 caused a chain-reaction collision involving five vehicles.

These incidents highlight the importance of having experienced legal representation when trucking accidents occur.

The Attorney911 Promise to Howard County Families

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your 18-wheeler accident case, you’re getting:

1. Immediate Action
We begin preserving evidence within hours of your call. We know what evidence to look for and how to secure it before it’s destroyed.

2. Comprehensive Investigation
We leave no stone unturned. From black box data to driver qualification files, we gather all evidence that proves negligence.

3. Insider Knowledge
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims and try to minimize payouts.

4. Federal Court Experience
With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may require federal litigation.

5. Spanish-Language Services
Howard County’s Hispanic community deserves representation in their preferred language. Hablamos Español.

6. No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

7. Personal Attention
You’re not just another case number. You’re family. We keep you informed every step of the way and are always available to answer your questions.

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

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Howard County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence, begin investigating your case, and start fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Remember: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. With offices across Texas and federal court experience, we have the resources to take on the largest trucking companies and win.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.

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

At Attorney911, we don’t just talk about fighting for trucking accident victims—we’ve been doing it for over 25 years. When you call us, you’re getting Howard County’s most experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys on your side. We know the roads, we know the trucking companies, and we know how to win.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911. Your future depends on it.