18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Recovery

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Texas, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Texas trucking accident victims for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Texas 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Texas isn’t just another state when it comes to trucking accidents – it’s the epicenter of the trucking industry in America. With over 313,000 miles of public roads and more registered commercial vehicles than any other state, Texas sees more trucking accidents than anywhere else in the country.

The Lone Star State is crisscrossed by major trucking corridors that carry billions of dollars in freight every year:

I-10: The Gulf Coast lifeline running from El Paso through Houston to the Louisiana border, carrying everything from petrochemicals to consumer goods
I-35: The NAFTA corridor connecting Mexico to the Midwest, handling more international trade than any other route in the Western Hemisphere
I-45: The critical link between Houston and Dallas, serving the energy and manufacturing hubs of East Texas
I-20: The east-west route through the Permian Basin, carrying oilfield equipment and energy products

These highways see some of the heaviest truck traffic in the nation, and with that traffic comes risk. In 2024 alone, Texas saw over 37,000 commercial vehicle crashes, resulting in thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of fatalities.

The Devastating Reality of Texas Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal: a fully loaded truck carries 20-25 times more kinetic energy than a typical car. This energy has to go somewhere in a collision, and it’s usually absorbed by the smaller vehicle and its occupants.

Common injuries we see in Texas trucking accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can change your life forever
Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis, these require lifelong medical care
Amputations: Crushing injuries frequently lead to limb loss
Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires cause horrific burn injuries
Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can rupture organs and cause internal bleeding
Wrongful Death: Tragically, many Texas trucking accidents prove fatal

The medical costs alone for these injuries can reach millions of dollars, not to mention the lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Texas-Specific Factors That Increase Trucking Accident Risks

Texas presents unique challenges for truck drivers and other motorists:

Extreme Weather Conditions: From Gulf Coast hurricanes to North Texas ice storms, Texas weather creates hazardous driving conditions year-round
Oilfield Trucking: The Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale regions see heavy truck traffic carrying oilfield equipment, often with fatigued drivers
Port Traffic: The Port of Houston, one of the busiest in the nation, generates massive truck traffic in the Houston metro area
Border Crossings: Texas has more international border crossings than any other state, with Laredo being the busiest commercial crossing in the Western Hemisphere
Long Distances: Texas is the second-largest state, meaning long-haul truckers spend more time on the road here than in most other states
Heat and Tire Blowouts: Texas summers regularly exceed 100°F, increasing the risk of tire failures

The Trucking Industry’s Dark Secret: Profit Over Safety

At Attorney911, we’ve seen firsthand how the trucking industry prioritizes profits over safety. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies cut corners:

Hours of Service Violations: Drivers are pressured to exceed federal driving limits to meet delivery deadlines
Inadequate Training: Many companies provide minimal training to save costs
Poor Maintenance: Brake systems, tires, and other critical components are often neglected
Negligent Hiring: Companies hire drivers with poor safety records to keep trucks on the road
Cargo Overloading: Trailers are frequently overloaded to maximize profits per trip

These practices put all Texas motorists at risk. When accidents happen, trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to protect their interests – not yours. That’s why you need an experienced Texas trucking accident attorney on your side immediately.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Texas

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

Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Your injuries
- The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
Collect Witness Information: Get names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident
Don’t Give Statements: Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation
Contact a Texas Trucking Accident Attorney: Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Evidence Disappears Fast in Texas Trucking Cases

One of the most critical aspects of trucking accident cases is evidence preservation. Trucking companies know this, and they act quickly to protect their interests – often at your expense. Critical evidence can disappear within days or even hours:

Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
ELD Records: Electronic logging device data may only be retained for 6 months
Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses typically overwrite footage within 30 days
Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired or sold for parts
Witness Memory: Fades quickly as details become blurred

At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve this evidence. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will have serious consequences.

The Most Common Causes of Texas 18-Wheeler Accidents

Understanding how trucking accidents happen is crucial to building a strong case. In Texas, we commonly see:

Driver Fatigue: Violating federal hours of service regulations
Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, texting, or in-cab electronics
Speeding: Especially dangerous given trucks’ long stopping distances
Improper Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo causing rollovers
Brake Failures: Poor maintenance of critical braking systems
Tire Blowouts: Heat and overloading cause frequent tire failures
Following Too Closely: Trucks need much more stopping distance than cars
Wide Turns: Trucks swinging wide and striking vehicles in adjacent lanes
Blind Spot Accidents: Vehicles in the truck’s “No-Zone” being struck
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use by commercial drivers

Texas-Specific Trucking Regulations You Need to Know

Texas follows federal FMCSA regulations, but also has state-specific rules that affect trucking accident cases:

Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit
Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages
Damage Caps: Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000
Truck Weight Limits: Texas has specific weight limits for different road types
Special Permits: Oversize and overweight loads require special permits

Our team at Attorney911 knows these regulations inside and out, and we use them to build the strongest possible case for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Trucking Accident?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple defendants:

The Truck Driver: For negligent operation of the vehicle
The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence
The Cargo Owner: For improper loading instructions
The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
Truck Manufacturer: For defective vehicle design or manufacturing
Parts Manufacturer: For defective components like brakes or tires
Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or maintenance
Freight Broker: For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Truck Owner: If different from the carrier
Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions

At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. We’ve taken on major corporations like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, and we’re not afraid to fight for you against any trucking company.

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Really Up Against

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

Minimum Coverage: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000
Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000

While this means there’s more money available to compensate you, it also means the insurance companies will fight harder to minimize your claim. Their adjusters are trained to:

Offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand your injuries
Deny or minimize the extent of your injuries
Blame you for the accident
Delay the claims process
Use your recorded statements against you
Claim pre-existing conditions caused your injuries
Send surveillance investigators to discredit your claim

Our team at Attorney911 includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all these tactics from the inside. We use this insider knowledge to counter their strategies and fight for maximum compensation.

How Much Is Your Texas Trucking Accident Case Worth?

There’s no “average” settlement for trucking accident cases – every case is unique. However, factors that affect case value include:

Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries generally result in higher settlements
Medical Expenses: Both past and future medical costs
Lost Wages: Current and future lost income
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional impact of your injuries
Degree of Negligence: More egregious negligence can lead to punitive damages
Insurance Coverage: Available insurance limits
Comparative Fault: Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims. Some of our notable results include:

$5+ Million: Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million: Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million: Truck crash recovery
Millions: Recovered for families in wrongful death trucking cases

The Texas Trucking Accident Legal Process

When you choose Attorney911 to represent you, here’s what you can expect:

Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
Immediate Action: We send preservation letters to protect evidence
Investigation: We gather all available evidence including:
- ECM/Black Box data
- ELD records
- Driver Qualification File
- Maintenance records
- Cell phone records
- Witness statements
Medical Care: We help you get the treatment you need
Demand Letter: We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Litigation: If necessary, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
Resolution: We work to resolve your case through settlement or trial

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Trucking Accident Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just any attorney – you need a team with specific experience in Texas trucking cases. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

25+ Years of Texas Trucking Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998
Insurance Defense Insider: Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate
Federal Court Experience: We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims
Texas-Specific Knowledge: We know Texas highways, courts, and trucking corridors
Bilingual Services: Hablamos Español – we serve Texas’s diverse community
Three Texas Offices: Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – we’re never far from you
Contingency Fee: You pay nothing unless we win your case
24/7 Availability: We’re here when you need us most

Texas Trucking Accident Case Studies

The I-10 Underride Tragedy

One of our most heartbreaking cases involved a young family traveling on I-10 near Houston. A truck suddenly stopped in front of them, and their vehicle slid underneath the trailer. The father was killed instantly, and the mother suffered catastrophic injuries. Our investigation revealed:

The truck’s underride guard was severely corroded and failed on impact
The trucking company had a history of maintenance violations
The driver had multiple prior accidents but was still employed

We filed suit against the trucking company, the maintenance provider, and the trailer manufacturer. After a hard-fought battle, we secured a $9.5 million settlement for the family.

The Permian Basin Fatigue Case

In West Texas, a fatigued truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the median on I-20, causing a head-on collision. Our client, a young mother, suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. Our investigation found:

The driver had been on duty for 16 consecutive hours
The ELD records had been falsified
The trucking company had a pattern of HOS violations

We presented this evidence to the insurance company, which initially offered only $500,000. We refused to settle for less than our client deserved, and after filing suit, we secured a $3.2 million verdict.

The Houston Port Cargo Spill

A container fell from a truck near the Port of Houston, striking our client’s vehicle and causing severe injuries. Our investigation revealed:

The cargo had been improperly secured
The loading company failed to follow FMCSA securement regulations
The truck’s cargo straps were worn and failed

We sued both the trucking company and the loading company, securing a $2.1 million settlement for our client.

Texas Trucking Accident Hotspots

While trucking accidents can happen anywhere in Texas, some areas see more than their share:

Houston: I-10, I-45, and the Port of Houston create heavy truck traffic
Dallas-Fort Worth: I-35, I-20, and I-30 converge in this major metro area
San Antonio: I-10, I-35, and I-37 intersect in the heart of Texas
Austin: I-35 is one of the most congested truck routes in the state
El Paso: I-10 and the Mexican border create heavy commercial traffic
Beaumont-Port Arthur: The petrochemical industry generates significant truck traffic
Midland-Odessa: Oilfield trucking dominates this region
Laredo: The busiest commercial border crossing in the Western Hemisphere

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Win Texas Trucking Cases

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking cases – we specialize in them. Here’s how we build winning cases for our Texas clients:

Immediate Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Comprehensive Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in building your case
Expert Analysis: We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and vocational specialists
Insurance Defense Knowledge: Our former insurance defense attorney knows exactly how they’ll fight your case
Aggressive Negotiation: We never accept lowball offers
Trial Preparation: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
Texas-Specific Strategies: We know Texas laws, courts, and trucking corridors

Don’t Wait – Your Case Depends on It

If you’ve been injured in a Texas trucking accident, time is not on your side. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company is already building their defense. The sooner you contact Attorney911, the stronger your case will be.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start fighting for the compensation you deserve. Remember – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Texas?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Never give statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

You have 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Texas. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as you’re not found to be 51% or more at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company claims I caused the accident?

Trucking companies often try to shift blame to victims. We investigate thoroughly to gather evidence that proves what really happened. ECM data, ELD records, and witness statements often contradict the truck driver’s version of events.

How much is my Texas trucking accident case worth?

Case values vary widely depending on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and other factors. We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to identify all potentially responsible parties.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess or umbrella insurance policies that provide additional coverage. We identify all available insurance to maximize your recovery.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. The FMCSA maintains public safety records at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain these records to prove patterns of negligence.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?

We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they’ll wait for payment until your case is resolved.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

Your Texas Trucking Accident Legal Team

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

With over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims, Ralph Manginello leads our firm with a track record of multi-million dollar results. His experience includes:

Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation
251+ Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating
Cheshire Academy Athletic Hall of Fame inductee

Lupe Peña – Associate Attorney

Lupe Peña brings a unique advantage to our team – he spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. This gives him insider knowledge of exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to Texas’s Hispanic community.

Texas Trucking Accident Resources

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Website: www.txdot.gov
Crash Records Information System (CRIS)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Carrier Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Website: www.nhtsa.gov
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After a trucking accident, the trucking company has a team of lawyers, adjusters, and investigators working to protect their interests. They’ll try to minimize your claim, blame you for the accident, and pay you as little as possible.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We know their tactics because we’ve worked on their side. Now we use that knowledge to fight for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas trucking accident, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 to start fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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

Texas Trucking Accident Checklist

✅ Call 911 and report the accident
✅ Seek immediate medical attention
✅ Take photos of all vehicle damage
✅ Photograph the accident scene and road conditions
✅ Get the truck’s license plate and DOT number
✅ Collect witness contact information
✅ Do NOT give statements to insurance adjusters
✅ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
✅ Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
✅ Keep all medical records and bills
✅ Document how your injuries affect your daily life
✅ Stay off social media until your case is resolved

The Texas Trucking Accident Guide: Final Thoughts

Texas trucking accidents are different from typical car accidents. The stakes are higher, the injuries more severe, and the legal battles more complex. But with the right legal team on your side, justice is possible.

At Attorney911, we’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for Texas trucking accident victims. We know the highways, the trucking companies, and the courts. We know how to preserve evidence, build strong cases, and negotiate maximum settlements. And when necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

If you’ve been injured in a Texas trucking accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company is already building their defense. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to start fighting for you.

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

Your recovery starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.