18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Carson County: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Trucking Accident in Carson County, Time Is Critical

Every year, thousands of families across the Texas Panhandle are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often life-altering – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Carson County, from Panhandle to White Deer to Skellytown, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation and knows how to fight the powerful trucking industry.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Carson County’s trucking corridors – from the busy US-60 freight route to the distribution centers serving our local agriculture and energy industries. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations and trucking industry tactics, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different from Car Crashes

Trucking accidents aren’t just “bigger car accidents” – they’re fundamentally different in ways that affect your legal rights and potential compensation:

The Physics of Destruction

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle. At highway speeds, this creates forces that simply overwhelm the safety features of smaller vehicles. The stopping distance for a commercial truck at 65 mph is nearly 525 feet – about two football fields – compared to 300 feet for a typical car. This means truck drivers have far less time to react to hazards, and when accidents happen, the consequences are catastrophic.

Multiple Liable Parties

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

• 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)

Each of these parties may have separate insurance policies with different coverage limits. Our investigation team leaves no stone unturned in identifying all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

Commercial trucks are governed by hundreds of federal safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). When trucking companies violate these rules, it provides powerful evidence of negligence. Common violations we uncover in Carson County trucking cases include:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long without rest)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

Higher Insurance Limits

While typical car insurance policies may have limits of $30,000-$100,000, federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability coverage of:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Carson County

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout the Texas Panhandle has given us deep insight into the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Carson County:

Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer

Despite federal hours of service regulations, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of trucking accidents. The FMCSA limits drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find drivers and trucking companies violating these rules. In Carson County, where long-haul routes are common, drivers may be pressured to meet tight delivery schedules that encourage HOS violations. Our team knows how to obtain and analyze ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data to prove fatigue violations.

Distracted Driving: A Growing Threat

Distracted driving is dangerous for any motorist, but when an 80,000-pound truck is involved, the consequences can be deadly. Common distractions include:

• Cell phone use (texting, talking, using apps)
• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm messages, CB radio)
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or navigation systems
• Reading paperwork or maps

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.82) prohibit hand-held mobile phone use by commercial drivers, yet we frequently find violations in our cases. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction at the time of the accident.

Improper Maintenance: Preventable Failures

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3). Yet we often find maintenance records showing deferred repairs, ignored inspection reports, and systematic neglect. Common maintenance failures include:

• Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
• Bald or underinflated tires
• Faulty steering components
• Broken or missing lights and reflectors
• Defective coupling devices

Brake failures alone account for 29% of truck accidents. We work with accident reconstruction experts and mechanical engineers to prove maintenance failures contributed to your accident.

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that create hazards for other motorists. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exact requirements for:

• Number and strength of tiedowns
• Load distribution
• Blocking and bracing
• Special requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

We investigate whether cargo was properly secured and whether loading companies followed proper procedures.

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone” Danger

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots – areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. These “No-Zones” include:

• 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• The entire left side from the cab door backward
• A large area on the right side extending from the cab door backward

Many accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots. We analyze whether proper mirror checks were performed and whether the truck was equipped with required mirrors (49 CFR § 393.80).

Wide Turn Accidents: The “Squeeze Play”

When making right turns, truck drivers often need to swing wide to the left to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings. This creates a dangerous gap that other drivers may try to enter – only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents are particularly common in Carson County’s smaller towns where tight turns are required.

Underride Collisions: Among the Deadliest

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle at windshield level, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries or decapitation. While rear underride guards are federally required (49 CFR § 393.86), side underride guards are not – despite their deadly potential.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

The extreme forces involved in trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is violently jolted or penetrated, causing damage that can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Severe TBI can result in permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and supervision. The lifetime cost of care for a severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete injury: No nerve function below the injury

Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions and may require ventilator support. The lifetime cost of care for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to severe damage. Amputations require:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause devastating burns:

• First-degree: Superficial, heals without scarring
• Second-degree: Partial thickness, may require skin grafts
• Third-degree: Full thickness, requires skin grafts
• Fourth-degree: Through skin to muscle/bone, may require amputation

Burn victims often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and face lifelong scarring and disability.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver lacerations or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship)
• Loss of parental guidance (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

What We Demand in Our Spoliation Letters:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data
• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records
• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies
• The physical truck and trailer
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

ECM/Black Box Data: The Truth Machine

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data is objective and tamper-resistant, making it powerful evidence in your case.

Critical Data Points from ECM/ELD Systems:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location and route history
• Hours of service compliance
• Following distance calculations
• Fault codes and mechanical issues

This data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. For example, if a driver claims they were traveling at 55 mph but the ECM shows 70 mph, that’s powerful evidence of speeding. If the driver claims they hit the brakes immediately but the data shows a delay, that proves delayed reaction time.

FMCSA Regulations: The Legal Framework for Your Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations provide the legal framework for proving negligence in your trucking accident case.

Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes who must comply with federal trucking regulations:

• All motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce
• All drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce
• All vehicles with GVWR over 10,001 lbs
• All vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers (including driver)
• All vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Establishes minimum qualifications for commercial drivers:

• Must be at least 21 years old (interstate)
• Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently
• Must be physically qualified under § 391.41
• Must have valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Must complete road test or equivalent
• Must not be disqualified under § 391.15

Driver Qualification File Requirements:
Motor carriers must maintain a file for each driver containing:

• Employment application
• Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Why This Matters: If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, failed to check the driver’s background, or hired a driver with a poor safety record, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

Part 392: Driving Rules

Establishes rules for safe operation of CMVs:

• § 392.3: No driver shall operate while ill or fatigued
• § 392.4: No drugs or alcohol while on duty
• § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
• § 392.6: No speeding for conditions
• § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use
• § 392.11: No following too closely

Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Establishes equipment and cargo securement standards:

• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement requirements
• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.11-26: Lighting requirements
• § 393.86: Rear impact guard requirements

Part 395: Hours of Service Regulations

Prevents driver fatigue by limiting driving time:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Must take break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off

ELD Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time and cannot be altered after the fact.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires systematic vehicle maintenance:

• § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
• § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
• § 396.13: Driver pre-trip inspection requirements
• § 396.17: Annual inspection requirements

Who We Can Hold Accountable in Your Carson County Trucking Case

In 18-wheeler accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Failure to yield, improper lane changes, running red lights

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety.

Vicarious Liability: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence: Trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance and ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

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
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Company

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
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

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

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Carson County Trucking Case

When you’re fighting against powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers, you need more than just any attorney – you need a team with specific experience in trucking litigation, deep local knowledge of Carson County, and a track record of success against major commercial defendants.

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• Deep familiarity with Carson County trucking corridors and accident patterns
• Comprehensive understanding of FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. This gives us a powerful advantage:

• He knows how insurance companies value claims
• He understands how adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• He recognizes their manipulation tactics immediately
• He knows what makes them settle
• He understands the claims valuation software they use (Colossus, etc.)

This insider knowledge allows us to counter every tactic the insurance company uses against you.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
• Canvass accident scene for security camera footage
• Photograph all damage, tire marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Hire accident reconstruction experts for complex crashes

Proven Track Record Against Major Trucking Companies

We have successfully litigated against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various commercial trucking companies

Multi-Million Dollar Results for Trucking Accident Victims

While every case is unique, our results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation for trucking accident victims:

• $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

Local Knowledge of Carson County

We know Carson County’s trucking corridors, from the busy US-60 freight route to the distribution centers serving our local agriculture and energy industries. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case:

• We understand the unique traffic patterns and accident hotspots
• We know the local courts and judges
• We’re familiar with the local trucking industry and common carriers
• We have relationships with local experts and investigators
• We understand the local jury pool and what arguments resonate

Bilingual Services for Our Hispanic Community

Carson County has a significant Hispanic population, and many of our 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.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, including:

• Expert witness fees
• Accident reconstruction costs
• Medical record retrieval
• Court filing fees
• Investigation expenses

You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Common Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Carson County

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Carson County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in Carson County and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Carson County hospitals and regional trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Carson County?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Carson County?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Carson County?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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 carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

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

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires 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 pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Carson County?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Carson County?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Carson County?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Carson County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

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 trucking accident 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Choice for Your Carson County Trucking Case

When you’re choosing an attorney to handle your 18-wheeler accident case, you have many options. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

We’re Trucking Specialists, Not General Practitioners

Many personal injury attorneys handle car accidents, slip and falls, and the occasional trucking case. We focus specifically on trucking litigation. This specialization gives us deep knowledge of:

• FMCSA regulations and how to prove violations
• Trucking industry practices and common shortcuts
• Commercial insurance policies and coverage issues
• Trucking company corporate structures and liability theories
• Accident reconstruction for commercial vehicles
• The unique injuries caused by trucking accidents

We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. This gives us a powerful advantage:

• He knows how insurance companies value claims
• He understands how adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• He recognizes their manipulation tactics immediately
• He knows what makes them settle
• He understands the claims valuation software they use

This insider knowledge allows us to counter every tactic the insurance company uses against you.

We Act Immediately to Preserve Evidence

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
• Canvass accident scene for security camera footage
• Photograph all damage, tire marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Hire accident reconstruction experts for complex crashes

We Have a Proven Track Record Against Major Trucking Companies

We have successfully litigated against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various commercial trucking companies

We Have Multi-Million Dollar Results

While every case is unique, our results demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation:

• $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

We Know Carson County

We understand Carson County’s trucking corridors, from the busy US-60 freight route to the distribution centers serving our local agriculture and energy industries. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case:

• We understand the unique traffic patterns and accident hotspots
• We know the local courts and judges
• We’re familiar with the local trucking industry and common carriers
• We have relationships with local experts and investigators
• We understand the local jury pool and what arguments resonate

We Offer Bilingual Services

Carson County has a significant Hispanic population, and many of our 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.

We Work on Contingency – No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, including:

• Expert witness fees
• Accident reconstruction costs
• Medical record retrieval
• Court filing fees
• Investigation expenses

You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients consistently tell us we treat them like family, not just case numbers:

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

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

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze.”
— Glenda Walker

What to Do Next: Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Carson County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now for your free, no-obligation consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com

We answer calls 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter immediately to protect your evidence. Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you – put our 25+ years of experience to work for your case.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today – because justice delayed is justice denied.