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

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Pecos County’s highways, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of Pecos County families recover from catastrophic trucking accidents.

Why Pecos County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Pecos County’s unique geography and trucking corridors create specific risks that don’t exist in other parts of Texas. Our vast open spaces and long stretches of I-10 and US-90 see heavy truck traffic from:

Oil field equipment moving to and from the Permian Basin
Agricultural products from Pecos County’s farming operations
Cross-country freight moving between El Paso and San Antonio
Heavy machinery for wind energy projects

This mix of local and long-haul trucking creates dangerous conditions, especially when combined with Pecos County’s challenging weather – from sudden sandstorms to flash flooding that can make roads treacherous.

What To Do Immediately After a Pecos County Trucking Accident

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

Pecos County law enforcement needs to document the scene. The accident report will be crucial evidence for your case. Make sure to tell the officer about any injuries, no matter how minor they seem.

2. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Many serious injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), internal bleeding, or spinal damage may not show symptoms immediately. Pecos County Medical Center and local clinics can identify injuries that might become life-threatening if untreated.

3. Document the Scene Thoroughly

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of:

All vehicles involved (including license plates and DOT numbers)
Damage to your vehicle and the truck
Road conditions, skid marks, and debris
Traffic signs and signals
Your injuries
Weather conditions

4. Get Witness Information

Pecos County residents who witness accidents can provide crucial testimony. Get names, phone numbers, and addresses from anyone who saw what happened.

5. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive quickly to protect their interests. Their insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give any statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

6. Call Attorney911 Immediately

Every hour counts. Critical evidence like black box data, electronic logging device (ELD) records, and dashcam footage can be overwritten or deleted within days. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve this evidence before it disappears.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Pecos County

Jackknife Accidents on I-10

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Pecos County’s long, straight stretches of I-10 where trucks can reach high speeds. When a truck driver brakes suddenly – especially on wet or sandy roads – the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, creating a massive obstacle that sweeps across multiple lanes.

These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups, especially in areas like:

The I-10 corridor through Fort Stockton
The interchange with US-385
The approaches to the Pecos River Bridge

Rollover Accidents in Rural Areas

Pecos County’s rural roads and county highways see many rollover accidents when:

Trucks take curves too fast (especially on FM 1053 or FM 1901)
Drivers overcorrect after running off the road
Improperly loaded cargo shifts during transit
Tires blow out on hot asphalt

Rollover accidents frequently spill cargo onto the roadway, creating additional hazards for other vehicles.

Underride Collisions at Night

Underride accidents are among the most deadly trucking accidents in Pecos County. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath, the trailer often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle.

These accidents are especially common:

On poorly lit rural highways
When trucks stop suddenly on roads without adequate warning
During wide right turns at intersections
When trucks change lanes without proper signaling

Brake Failure on Mountain Grades

While Pecos County is generally flat, some areas like the approaches to the Glass Mountains and the Stockton Plateau have enough elevation change to cause brake failure accidents. Trucks descending these grades can experience brake fade, where the braking system overheats and loses effectiveness.

Tire Blowouts in Extreme Heat

Pecos County’s extreme summer temperatures (often exceeding 100°F) cause tire failures at an alarming rate. When an 18-wheeler experiences a blowout, especially on a steer tire, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. The debris from blown tires – often called “road gators” – creates additional hazards for following vehicles.

Why Pecos County Trucking Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make severe injuries the norm rather than the exception in Pecos County:

Size and Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the force is devastating.
Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop – nearly two football fields. Passenger cars need only about 300 feet. This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly as cars.
Height Difference: The height of a trailer creates a mismatch with passenger vehicles, leading to underride accidents where the trailer impacts the windshield area of the smaller vehicle.

Common catastrophic injuries we see in Pecos County trucking accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and personality shifts
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
Speech difficulties

Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care that can cost millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injuries: Some nerve function remains
Complete Injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

The lifetime cost of caring for a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

Amputations occur when:

Limbs are severed at the scene due to crash forces
Limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed
Infections from open wounds require amputation

Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and ongoing care make these injuries extremely expensive.

Severe Burns

Burns occur in Pecos County trucking accidents when:

Fuel tanks rupture and ignite
Hazardous materials spill and catch fire
Electrical systems short circuit
Friction creates road rash

Burn injuries often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and can leave permanent scarring.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. These cases allow recovery for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

Who Is Liable for Your Pecos County Trucking Accident?

18-wheeler accidents are more complex than car accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance coverage. They may be liable for:

Vicarious Liability: When the driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment
Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
Negligent Training: Providing inadequate safety training
Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance with regulations
Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition
Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR 393)
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

Defective brakes or brake components
Defective tires causing blowouts
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Improper work zone setup

How We Prove Liability in Pecos County Trucking Cases

Electronic Evidence

Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

Engine Control Module (ECM): Records engine performance, speed, throttle position, RPM, cruise control status, and fault codes
Event Data Recorder (EDR): Captures pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Records driver hours of service, GPS location, and driving time
Telematics Systems: Provide real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, and driver behavior data
Dashcam Footage: Records video of the road ahead and sometimes the cab interior

This data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. For example, ECM data might show a driver was traveling at 75 mph in a 65 mph zone, while the driver claims they were going the speed limit.

Driver Qualification Files

FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver. We subpoena these files to look for evidence of:

Incomplete or missing background checks
Hiring drivers with poor safety records
Failure to verify previous employment
Missing or expired medical certifications
Failure to conduct drug and alcohol testing

Hours of Service Records

Hours of service (HOS) violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents. We analyze ELD data to prove:

Drivers exceeded the 11-hour driving limit
Drivers violated the 14-hour duty window
Drivers failed to take required 30-minute breaks
Companies pressured drivers to falsify logs

Maintenance and Inspection Records

We review maintenance records to identify:

Deferred maintenance on critical systems
Known defects that were not repaired
Improper brake adjustments
Worn or defective tires
Non-functioning safety equipment

Drug and Alcohol Testing

FMCSA regulations require drug and alcohol testing:

Pre-employment
Random
Post-accident
Reasonable suspicion
Return-to-duty

We obtain these records to prove impairment at the time of the accident.

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone use is a leading cause of distracted driving accidents. We subpoena cell phone records to prove:

The driver was texting at the time of the accident
The driver was making calls
The driver was using apps or GPS

Witness Testimony

We interview:

Other drivers who witnessed the accident
Pecos County residents who may have seen the truck’s behavior
First responders
Truck stop employees who may have interacted with the driver

Accident Reconstruction

We work with expert accident reconstructionists who:

Analyze skid marks and debris patterns
Calculate vehicle speeds and positions
Determine the sequence of events
Identify contributing factors

The Most Common FMCSA Violations in Pecos County Trucking Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are designed to prevent accidents, but violations are common in Pecos County trucking cases.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

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

11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-Hour Restart: Drivers can restart their weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

False Log Entries

Before electronic logging devices (ELDs), drivers kept paper logs that were easily falsified. Even with ELDs, some drivers:

Log off-duty time while actually driving
Claim to be in sleeper berth when they’re not
Edit their logs after the fact

ELDs make falsification more difficult, but it still occurs.

Brake System Deficiencies (49 CFR Part 393)

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common violations include:

Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
Air brake system leaks or failures
Contaminated brake fluid
Defective brake components

Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. These include:

Inadequate number of tiedowns
Tiedowns with insufficient working load limits
Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
Overloading beyond securement capacity

Shifted cargo can destabilize a truck and cause rollover accidents.

Unqualified Drivers (49 CFR Part 391)

Driver qualification violations include:

Operating without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Operating without a current medical certificate
Hiring drivers with poor safety records
Failing to conduct background checks

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 392)

Drivers are prohibited from:

Using alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty
Using alcohol while on duty
Being under the influence of alcohol (.04 BAC or higher)
Using Schedule I substances
Using other substances that impair driving ability

Mobile Phone Use (49 CFR § 392.82)

Drivers are prohibited from:

Using hand-held mobile telephones while driving
Reaching for mobile phones in a manner that requires leaving the seated position
Texting while driving

Failure to Inspect (49 CFR Part 396)

Drivers must:

Conduct pre-trip inspections before every trip
Prepare written post-trip reports identifying any defects
Report defects to the carrier for repair

Failure to conduct inspections or ignoring known defects can lead to accidents.

How Much Is Your Pecos County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values in Pecos County trucking accidents depend on many factors, but the most important are:

Severity of Injuries

More severe injuries result in higher case values. For example:

Soft Tissue Injuries: $15,000 – $60,000
Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical): $50,000 – $200,000
Herniated Disc (With Surgery): $346,000 – $1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
Spinal Cord Injury: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
Amputation: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

Medical Expenses

We recover compensation for:

Emergency room treatment
Hospitalization
Surgery
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Medications
Medical equipment
Future medical care

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

We recover compensation for:

Income lost due to injury and recovery
Reduction in future earning ability
Loss of benefits
Loss of career opportunities

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering compensation accounts for:

Physical pain from injuries
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Physical impairment
Mental anguish

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas law limits punitive damages to the greater of:

Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000), or
$200,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pecos County Trucking Accident Case?

1. We Have 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims across Texas since 1998. He has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

2. We Include a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

3. We Know Pecos County’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique challenges of Pecos County’s highways and rural roads:

The dangers of I-10 through Fort Stockton
The risks at the US-385 interchange
The challenges of FM 1053 and FM 1901
The hazards of agricultural trucking on county roads
The unique weather conditions that affect trucking safety

4. We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send formal legal notices within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve:

Black box data
ELD records
Dashcam footage
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
Drug and alcohol test results

5. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. Our firm is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – giving us access to the federal system when needed.

6. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Pecos 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 provides direct representation without interpreters.

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

7. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that you’re facing financial uncertainty after a trucking accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What Our Pecos County Clients Say About Us

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

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

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

“Ralph reached out personally to check on me. That meant a lot.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“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

Our Track Record of Success in Trucking Cases

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas:

$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

Our firm has been involved in major industrial disaster litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion, demonstrating our capability to handle complex, high-stakes cases against well-funded corporate defendants.

The Attorney911 Difference: Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we don’t just talk about urgency – we act on it. Our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol ensures that critical evidence in your Pecos County trucking accident case is protected before it disappears.

Hour 1-2: Initial Case Assessment

We take your initial call and gather basic information about the accident
We identify all potentially liable parties
We begin drafting spoliation letters

Hour 3-6: Spoliation Letters Sent

We send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
These letters demand preservation of all evidence related to the accident
We send letters via email, fax, and certified mail to ensure receipt

Hour 6-12: Evidence Identification

We identify all critical evidence that must be preserved
We determine which experts need to be retained immediately
We begin drafting subpoenas for records

Hour 12-24: Expert Deployment

We retain accident reconstruction experts
We deploy investigators to the accident scene
We begin downloading available electronic data

Hour 24-48: Comprehensive Evidence Preservation

We obtain police accident reports
We interview witnesses before their memories fade
We photograph the accident scene and vehicles
We secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
We preserve physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed

What Happens If the Trucking Company Destroys Evidence?

When trucking companies destroy evidence after receiving notice of potential litigation, it’s called spoliation. Texas courts take spoliation very seriously and can impose severe penalties, including:

Adverse Inference Instructions: The judge can instruct the jury to assume that the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company
Monetary Sanctions: The court can impose fines and order the trucking company to pay your attorney’s fees
Default Judgment: In extreme cases, the court can enter judgment in your favor without a trial
Punitive Damages: If the destruction was intentional or reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages

The Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in Pecos County

While any trucking company can be involved in an accident, some have particularly poor safety records. We’ve handled cases against major commercial entities in Pecos County, including:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Various oil field service companies
Local agricultural haulers

We investigate each trucking company’s safety record using the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) system. Poor CSA scores can prove that the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

How Long Do You Have to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Pecos County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases. This means you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, you should never wait to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

What If You Were Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means:

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

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

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. Truck drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the electronic evidence tells the true story.

What If the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Some truck drivers are owner-operators who contract with trucking companies rather than being direct employees. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may still be liable.

We investigate:

The nature of the relationship between the driver and company
Who controlled the driver’s schedule and routes
Who provided the truck and equipment
Insurance coverage for both the driver and company

How Long Will Your Pecos County Trucking Accident Case Take?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Moderate cases with disputed liability: 12-24 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 18-36 months
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery. Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to create leverage in settlement negotiations.

What If the Trucking Company Offers a Quick Settlement?

Trucking companies often make quick settlement offers after accidents. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Quick settlement offers typically:

Don’t account for future medical expenses
Don’t include compensation for pain and suffering
Don’t consider lost earning capacity
Are far below what your case is actually worth

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pecos County Trucking Accident Attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

You pay nothing upfront
You pay nothing unless we win your case
Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33.33% to 40%)
We advance all costs of investigation and litigation

There is no risk to you. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

What Should You Do Next?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Pecos County, time is critical. Every hour that passes increases the risk that critical evidence will be lost or destroyed.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll:

Listen to your story and answer your questions
Explain your legal rights and options
Begin our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol
Send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence
Connect you with medical providers if needed
Start building your case immediately

Remember – the trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

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