18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Reagan County, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Reagan County, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of trucking cases in West Texas. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable when their drivers cause catastrophic injuries on Reagan County’s highways.

Why Reagan County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Reagan County sits at the intersection of major Texas trucking corridors, with I-10 running east-west through the county and US-67 connecting to major oilfield operations in the Permian Basin. The combination of heavy commercial traffic, oilfield equipment transport, and agricultural freight creates unique risks for local drivers.

The wide-open spaces and long straightaways on Reagan County roads may give drivers a false sense of security, but these conditions can actually contribute to dangerous situations:

Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers pushing their hours of service limits
Speeding violations on the straight, open stretches of I-10
Brake failures from overheating on long descents or from deferred maintenance
Cargo securement issues with oilfield equipment and agricultural loads
Tire blowouts from the extreme West Texas heat and rough road conditions

Our team understands these Reagan County-specific risks and knows how to investigate them thoroughly to build the strongest possible case for your compensation.

The Devastating Impact of Trucking Accidents in Reagan County

The physics of 18-wheeler collisions make them particularly dangerous. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When these massive vehicles collide with cars, the results are often catastrophic:

Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces involved
Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
Amputations from crushing injuries
Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures
Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
Wrongful death of occupants in smaller vehicles

In Reagan County, where medical facilities may be limited, these injuries can be even more devastating as victims often need to be transported to larger hospitals in Midland or San Angelo for specialized treatment.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Reagan County

Our investigation of Reagan County trucking accidents often reveals violations of federal safety regulations that contributed to the crash:

1. Hours of Service Violations

The FMCSA limits commercial drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour duty window before mandatory rest
30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

Despite these regulations, we frequently see Reagan County trucking companies pressuring drivers to exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of trucking accidents, and we know how to obtain the electronic logging device (ELD) data that proves these violations.

2. Improper Maintenance and Inspections

Federal regulations require:

Pre-trip inspections before every trip (§ 396.13)
Post-trip inspections after each day’s driving (§ 396.11)
Annual inspections of all vehicles (§ 396.17)
Systematic maintenance programs (§ 396.3)

In Reagan County, where trucks travel long distances between service points, we often find maintenance records showing deferred repairs, ignored inspection findings, and inadequate pre-trip checks. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting deficiencies are common issues we uncover.

3. Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite federal prohibitions, we routinely find evidence of:

Cell phone use while driving (§ 392.82)
Texting while driving (§ 392.80)
Drug and alcohol impairment (§ 392.4, § 392.5)

The isolation of Reagan County roads can sometimes lead to complacency among drivers who believe they won’t be caught violating these rules. We subpoena cell phone records and drug test results to prove these violations.

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

Loads shift during transport, affecting vehicle stability
Debris falls onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
Overweight loads exceed vehicle capacity

Reagan County sees significant agricultural and oilfield equipment transport, which requires specialized securement techniques. We investigate loading procedures and securement methods to identify violations of cargo securement regulations (§ 393.100-136).

5. Negligent Hiring and Training

Trucking companies must:

Verify driving records before hiring (§ 391.23)
Check previous employment for safety violations (§ 391.23)
Maintain driver qualification files (§ 391.51)
Provide adequate training on safety procedures

We frequently find Reagan County carriers cutting corners on background checks, hiring drivers with poor safety records, and failing to provide proper training on hours of service, cargo securement, and other critical safety procedures.

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

Unlike typical car accidents where only one driver is usually at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. In Reagan County cases, we investigate and pursue claims against:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

The trucking company can be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions and directly liable for:

Negligent hiring – failing to check driving records
Negligent training – inadequate safety instruction
Negligent supervision – failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance – deferred repairs, ignored defects
Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules
Negligent cargo loading – improper securement procedures

3. Cargo Owners and Shippers

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight or oversized loads
Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

4. Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

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

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Defective brake systems
Faulty tires prone to blowouts
Defective steering components
Malfunctioning safety systems (ABS, ESC)
Design defects that create unreasonable risks

6. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

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

7. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Selecting carriers based solely on lowest price despite safety concerns

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Reagan County Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Our team acts immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data (Must Be Preserved Within 48 Hours)

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Records: Proves hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and driving behavior
Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior
Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving violations

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background checks, training records
Driving History: Previous accidents and violations
Medical Certification: Current medical examiner’s certificate
Drug/Alcohol Tests: Results from pre-employment and random testing

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records: Showing repair history and deferred maintenance
Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations that should have been addressed

Company Records

Dispatch Logs: Showing schedule pressure and HOS violations
Safety Policies: Documenting company safety culture
Training Materials: Proving adequacy or inadequacy of training
CSA Scores: FMCSA safety rating and violation history

Our Reagan County Trucking Accident Investigation Process

When you hire Attorney911 for your Reagan County trucking accident case, we immediately implement our comprehensive investigation protocol:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene if needed
Obtain police crash report from Reagan County Sheriff’s Office
Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
Request driver’s paper log books (if used as backup)
Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
Obtain carrier’s CSA scores and inspection history
Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts determine present value of all damages
Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
Pursue aggressive discovery against all liable parties
Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
Build case for trial while negotiating from position of strength
Prepare every case as if going to trial to maximize settlement leverage

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Reagan County Trucking Cases

The extreme forces involved in 18-wheeler collisions often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, confusion, memory problems
Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI: Permanent cognitive impairment, coma

TBI victims often require lifelong care and may never be able to return to work. The lifetime cost of care can exceed $3 million for severe cases.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of function

Spinal cord injuries often require:

Initial hospitalization and rehabilitation
Wheelchairs and mobility devices
Home modifications for accessibility
24/7 personal care assistance
Lifetime medical monitoring

Amputations

Traumatic amputation: Limb severed at the scene
Surgical amputation: Limb removed due to severe damage

Amputations create lifelong challenges:

Multiple prosthetic fittings and replacements
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling for trauma
Home and vehicle modifications
Career limitations or total disability

Severe Burns

Thermal burns from fuel fires
Chemical burns from hazardous cargo
Electrical burns from damaged wiring

Burn injuries often require:

Multiple skin graft surgeries
Long-term physical therapy
Psychological counseling
Scar revision procedures
Specialized pressure garments

Internal Organ Damage

Liver and spleen lacerations
Kidney damage
Lung contusions or collapse
Internal bleeding

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can lead to lifelong health complications.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Punitive damages for gross negligence

The Compensation You May Recover in Your Reagan County Trucking Case

Texas law allows trucking accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost earning capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation, home modifications, assistive devices
Life care costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (For Gross Negligence)

Texas law allows punitive damages when defendants act with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (such as falsifying logs)

Punitive damages are capped in Texas at the greater of:

$200,000, or
Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Reagan County Trucking Case?

1. Proven Experience with Trucking Cases

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling complex trucking accident cases across Texas. We’ve taken on major commercial carriers and secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the other side. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may require federal court jurisdiction.

4. Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have the resources to conduct thorough investigations:

Accident reconstruction experts
FMCSA regulation specialists
Medical experts
Vocational rehabilitation experts
Economic damage experts
Life care planners

5. Willingness to Go to Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to take cases to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready representation.

6. Local Knowledge of Reagan County

We understand the unique challenges of Reagan County trucking cases:

The specific trucking corridors and accident hotspots
The local courts and judges
The oilfield and agricultural trucking patterns
The limited medical resources and need for transport to larger facilities

7. Spanish Language Services

Many Reagan County trucking accident victims are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and can provide direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

8. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Reagan County Trucking Corridors We Know Well

Reagan County sits at a critical junction of major Texas trucking routes:

I-10 Corridor

The east-west interstate runs through Reagan County, carrying:

Long-haul freight between El Paso and Houston
Agricultural products from West Texas
Oilfield equipment and supplies
Retail goods bound for distribution centers

Common accident types on I-10:

Rear-end collisions from sudden traffic slowdowns
Rollover accidents from high winds
Jackknife accidents from brake failures
Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers

US-67 Corridor

This north-south route connects to major oilfield operations in the Permian Basin, carrying:

Oilfield equipment and supplies
Frac sand and other drilling materials
Heavy machinery
Agricultural products

Common accident types on US-67:

Cargo securement failures with oilfield equipment
Overweight and oversized load accidents
Brake failures on long descents
Fatigue-related crashes from oilfield work schedules

FM 1675 and Other Farm-to-Market Roads

These routes carry:

Agricultural products
Livestock transport
Local freight

Common accident types on FM roads:

Wide turn accidents at rural intersections
Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
Collisions with slow-moving farm equipment

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

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Reagan County, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Request police and emergency medical services
Report all injuries, even if they seem minor
Ensure a police report is filed

2. Seek Medical Attention

Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately
Follow all doctor’s orders for treatment and follow-up
Document all injuries and symptoms
Keep all medical records and bills

3. Document the Scene

Take photographs of:
- All vehicles involved
- Vehicle damage (interior and exterior)
- The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
- Your injuries
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Weather conditions
Get contact information for all witnesses
Note the truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name

4. Preserve Evidence

Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle
Keep all damaged property
Save all medical records and bills
Document your injuries with photographs

5. Do NOT Give Statements

Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
Do not sign any documents from insurance adjusters
Do not discuss fault or injuries with anyone except your attorney

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
We’ll send preservation letters to protect critical evidence
We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies
We’ll begin building your case immediately

Common Reagan County Trucking Accident Scenarios

1. Oilfield Equipment Transport Accidents

Reagan County’s proximity to the Permian Basin means significant oilfield equipment transport on local roads. These accidents often involve:

Oversized loads exceeding width and height limits
Improperly secured equipment that shifts or falls
Brake failures on long descents with heavy loads
Driver fatigue from oilfield work schedules

2. Agricultural Transport Accidents

Reagan County’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic:

Grain trucks with shifting loads
Livestock transport with animal movement affecting stability
Harvest season peak traffic creating congestion
Slow-moving farm equipment on rural roads

3. Long-Haul Fatigue Accidents

I-10 through Reagan County is a major long-haul route where we often see:

Hours of service violations from drivers pushing limits
False log entries to conceal violations
Fatigue-related lane departures
Microsleep events causing loss of control

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

Loads shift during transport, affecting vehicle stability
Debris falls onto roadways, creating hazards
Trucks become unstable and roll over
Cargo spills create multi-vehicle accidents

5. Brake Failure on Long Descents

The terrain in and around Reagan County includes long descents that can cause:

Brake fade from overheating
Complete brake failure from deferred maintenance
Runaway trucks unable to stop
Jackknife accidents when brakes fail

How Reagan County’s Comparative Negligence Rules Affect Your Case

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

You can recover damages only if you’re 50% or less at fault
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example:

If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages
If you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing

This makes it critical to have strong evidence proving the truck driver’s fault. Our investigation focuses on gathering this evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.

The Reagan County Trucking Accident Claims Process

When you hire Attorney911 for your Reagan County trucking accident case, we guide you through every step of the process:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We evaluate your case at no cost
Explain your legal rights and options
Answer all your questions
Determine if we can help you

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Send spoliation letters to all liable parties
Preserve ECM/black box data
Secure dashcam footage
Obtain police reports and witness statements

3. Comprehensive Investigation

Obtain all driver and company records
Analyze ELD and ECM data
Consult with accident reconstruction experts
Identify all liable parties

4. Medical Treatment and Documentation

Connect you with appropriate medical providers
Document all injuries and treatment
Obtain expert opinions on future care needs
Calculate future medical expenses

5. Demand Letter and Negotiation

Prepare comprehensive demand package
Calculate full value of your damages
Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
Reject lowball settlement offers

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

File lawsuit in appropriate Reagan County court
Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
Retain expert witnesses
Prepare case for trial

7. Resolution

Negotiate settlement from position of strength
Present case to jury if fair settlement not offered
Ensure you receive maximum compensation

Reagan County Trucking Accident Case Examples

While we can’t discuss specific Attorney911 cases, recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Oversize load accident in Texas
$150 Million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
$37.5 Million – Trucking verdict in Texas (2024)
$35.5 Million – Family injured in Texas truck accident

These cases show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence, especially when they find evidence of systemic safety violations.

Reagan County Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Reagan County statistics may be limited, statewide Texas data provides context:

5,100+ people killed in truck crashes annually in the U.S. (NHTSA)
125,000+ people injured in truck crashes annually
76% of those killed are occupants of other vehicles
1 in 3 fatal crashes in work zones involve large trucks
1 in 8 traffic fatalities involve large trucks

In Texas specifically:

683 truck crash fatalities in 2022
3,552 serious truck crash injuries
I-10 is one of the most dangerous trucking corridors in the state

How Long Your Reagan County Trucking Case May Take

The timeline for your case depends on several factors:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Moderate cases with disputed liability: 12-24 months
Complex cases with catastrophic injuries: 2-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 3-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reagan County Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Reagan County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, preserve evidence, and contact Attorney911 immediately. The first 48 hours are critical for preserving evidence that can make or break your case.

2. How much is my Reagan County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on:

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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers, often $1 million or more, allowing for larger recoveries.

3. Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Reagan County?

Multiple parties may be liable:

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

We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Reagan County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

5. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Initial offers are almost always lowball attempts to pay you far less than your case is worth. We can evaluate any offer and negotiate for fair compensation.

6. What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM data, ELD records, maintenance records, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the company on notice that destroying evidence will have serious legal consequences.

7. What is black box data and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) that record operational data, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Following distance
Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can prove negligence.

8. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our investigation focuses on gathering evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.

9. How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help you:

Use your health insurance
Obtain treatment through medical liens
Access Letter of Protection (LOP) arrangements with providers
Use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage

10. How much does it cost to hire a Reagan County trucking accident attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket. We also advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Reagan County, Texas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every hour that passes puts critical evidence at risk of being lost or destroyed.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Reagan County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin protecting your rights.

“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours. Call us today before the evidence disappears.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.