18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Orange County, Texas

If you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Orange County’s highways, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the federal trucking regulations and the local roads where these devastating crashes occur. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Southeast Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Orange County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Orange County’s unique position along the Gulf Coast and near the Louisiana border creates specific trucking hazards that require specialized legal knowledge. Our attorneys understand the challenges of:

• I-10 corridor dangers – This major east-west interstate carries heavy truck traffic from the Port of Houston through Orange County to Louisiana, with frequent congestion and high-speed collisions
• Chemical and petrochemical freight – The area’s industrial base means many trucks carry hazardous materials, increasing the risk of catastrophic fires and chemical exposure
• Weather-related hazards – Heavy rains, flooding, and occasional winter weather create dangerous driving conditions that trucking companies often fail to account for
• Border crossing traffic – Nearby Port Arthur and Beaumont see increased truck traffic from international trade, creating additional congestion and safety risks

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Orange County

Jackknife Accidents on I-10

Jackknife accidents frequently occur on I-10 when trucks brake suddenly on wet roads or when empty trailers swing out of control. These accidents often block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions at Intersections

Orange County’s intersections, particularly along Highway 87 and Highway 62, see frequent underride accidents where passenger vehicles slide underneath trailers. These crashes are often fatal due to the height difference between trucks and cars.

Fatigue-Related Crashes

Many truck drivers push their hours of service limits to meet delivery deadlines, leading to fatigue-related accidents. This is especially common on long hauls between Houston and Louisiana along I-10.

Cargo Spill Accidents

With Orange County’s industrial base, many trucks carry hazardous materials. Improperly secured cargo can spill onto roadways, creating dangerous conditions for other drivers.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Orange County Trucking Case

1. Local Knowledge of Orange County Roads

We know Orange County’s trucking corridors, from the I-10 corridor to the industrial routes serving local refineries and manufacturing facilities. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims. This insider knowledge gives us an advantage in negotiations and litigation.

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence before it disappears. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and trucking companies often destroy or “lose” maintenance records. We send spoliation letters immediately to protect your rights.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims. While every case is different, our track record shows we know how to maximize compensation for catastrophic injuries.

5. Federal Court Experience

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

6. Spanish Language Services

Orange County has a significant Spanish-speaking population, and we offer fluent Spanish language services through our associate attorney Lupe Peña. Hablamos español.

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

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, take these critical steps:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
3. Get driver and trucking company information – Record the truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
4. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
5. Don’t give statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly. Politely decline to give any recorded statements
6. Call Attorney911 – The sooner we can begin preserving evidence, the stronger your case will be

How We Build Your Orange County Trucking Accident Case

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company and their insurer demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage

Step 2: Thorough Investigation

Our investigation includes:

• Accident reconstruction by expert engineers
• Analysis of ECM/ELD data to determine speed, braking, and hours of service
• Review of the trucking company’s safety record and CSA scores
• Examination of maintenance records for violations
• Investigation of the driver’s background and training

Step 3: Identifying All Liable Parties

In trucking cases, multiple parties may share liability:

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

Step 4: Calculating Full Damages

We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (when gross negligence is involved)

Common Trucking Company Violations We Find

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long drivers can operate:

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

Violations of these rules are a leading cause of fatigue-related accidents.

Negligent Hiring and Training

Trucking companies must:

• Conduct thorough background checks
• Verify driving records
• Check previous employment
• Provide proper training
• Monitor driver performance

When companies cut corners on hiring and training, they put dangerous drivers on the road.

Improper Maintenance

Federal regulations require:

• Systematic inspection and maintenance programs
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Prompt repair of defects

Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting violations are common maintenance-related causes of accidents.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards
• Create instability during turns or sudden maneuvers

Federal regulations specify exact securement requirements for different types of cargo.

Orange County-Specific Trucking Hazards

I-10 Corridor Challenges

The I-10 corridor through Orange County presents unique challenges:

• Heavy truck traffic from Port of Houston to Louisiana
• Frequent congestion and sudden slowdowns
• High-speed collisions due to inconsistent traffic flow
• Bridge crossings and elevation changes
• Weather-related hazards including fog and heavy rain

Industrial Zone Truck Traffic

Orange County’s industrial base creates specific trucking hazards:

• Heavy equipment transport
• Hazardous material shipments
• Increased traffic around shift changes
• Limited visibility in industrial areas
• Driver fatigue from long shifts

Border Crossings and Port Traffic

Nearby Port Arthur and Beaumont see increased truck traffic:

• Congestion from international trade
• Language barriers with foreign drivers
• Different driving standards from international carriers
• Increased pressure to meet delivery deadlines
• Complex logistics creating driver confusion

What Your Orange County Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of negligence by the trucking company
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

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

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent trucking verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when negligent trucking companies are held accountable:

• $730 million – Texas trucking accident case (2021)
• $150 million – Texas trucking settlement (2022)
• $462 million – Missouri underride accident (2024)
• $160 million – Alabama rollover case (2024)

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for gross negligence and systematic safety violations.

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

Why Insurance Companies Fear Attorney911

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims. We know their tactics because we used to work for them. Now we use that knowledge to fight for accident victims.

Common insurance company tactics we counter:

• Quick lowball settlement offers
• Denying or minimizing injuries
• Blaming the victim
• Delaying the claims process
• Using recorded statements against victims
• Claiming pre-existing conditions
• Sending surveillance investigators
• Hiring “independent” medical examiners

The Attorney911 Difference

1. Personal Attention with Proven Results

Unlike large billboard firms that treat you like a case number, we provide personal attention with a track record of multi-million dollar results.

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

2. We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many firms won’t take difficult cases. We do.

“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

3. Faster Resolution Than Competitors

We solve cases faster than other firms.

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

4. Direct Attorney Access

You’ll have direct access to our attorneys, not just case managers.

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

5. Spanish Language Services

Hablamos español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, 18-wheeler accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Mild TBI (concussion) – confusion, headaches, memory problems
• Moderate TBI – extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI – coma, permanent disability, lifelong care needs

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paraplegia – loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – partial loss of sensation or movement

Amputations

• Traumatic amputations – limbs severed at the scene
• Surgical amputations – limbs removed due to severe damage
• Phantom limb pain – chronic pain in missing limbs

Severe Burns

• Thermal burns from fires
• Chemical burns from hazardous cargo
• Electrical burns from damaged wiring
• Friction burns from road contact

Internal Organ Damage

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

How Long Do I Have to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long to contact an attorney.

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly:

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

The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911

When you call our Orange County trucking accident lawyers:

1. Immediate Response – We answer calls 24/7 and can meet you at the hospital if needed
2. Free Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case at no cost to you
3. No Upfront Fees – We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
4. Immediate Action – We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence
5. Comprehensive Investigation – We gather all evidence and build your case
6. Aggressive Representation – We negotiate from a position of strength and are prepared to go to trial if needed

Orange County Trucking Accident Resources

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, these Orange County resources may help:

• Orange County Courthouse – Where your case would likely be filed
• Christus Southeast Texas Hospital – St. Elizabeth – Major trauma center serving Orange County
• Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Handles accident reports for unincorporated areas
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Maintains state highways and investigates road conditions
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Regulates commercial trucking and maintains safety records

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange County Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company and driver information, and call Attorney911 immediately. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

You may be able to sue multiple parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers

How much is my Orange County trucking accident case worth?

Case values vary widely depending on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, allowing for larger recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because critical evidence disappears quickly.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. 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.

What is a spoliation letter?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes black box data, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately helps protect your rights.

What is black box data and why is it important?

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record operational data, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How do hours of service violations cause accidents?

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue. Common violations include:

• Driving more than 11 hours after 10 hours off duty
• Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• Failing to take required 30-minute breaks
• Exceeding weekly driving limits

Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making, similar to alcohol impairment.

What is a Driver Qualification File?

Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

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

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do I prove the trucking company was negligent?

We prove negligence by showing:

• Violations of FMCSA regulations
• Hours of service violations
• Negligent hiring or training
• Improper maintenance
• Cargo securement failures
• Pattern of safety violations

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if a trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company is still responsible for paying valid claims. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Texas uses modified comparative negligence, which means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazardous material trucking accidents create additional legal complexities. Trucking companies carrying hazardous materials must carry at least $5 million in insurance coverage.

How long does a trucking accident 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.

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.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Contact Orange County’s Trusted 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Orange County, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Available 24/7

“When an 18-wheeler changes your family’s life forever, y’all need a lawyer who treats you like family.”
— Attorney Ralph Manginello

Our Orange County trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. With offices serving all of Southeast Texas, we’re never far from Orange County. Call us today.