18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Howard County, Texas
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever
Every year, thousands of Texans experience the devastating impact of 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Howard County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique dangers of West Texas trucking corridors and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know Howard County’s highways, the distribution centers along I-20, and the truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations.
Why Howard County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Howard County sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes that serve the Permian Basin’s oil and gas industry. The combination of heavy freight traffic, long-distance hauls, and demanding schedules creates unique risks:
- I-20 Corridor: This major east-west route carries massive freight volumes between Midland-Odessa and the rest of the country
- Oil Field Trucking: The Permian Basin generates specialized heavy equipment transport that requires extra caution
- Long Hauls: Many drivers pass through Howard County on multi-state trips, increasing fatigue risks
- Distribution Centers: Local warehouses create concentrated truck traffic in Big Spring and surrounding areas
- Weight Stations: The Texas DOT weigh station on I-20 monitors compliance but also creates congestion points
These factors mean Howard County sees more than its share of trucking accidents—often with catastrophic consequences.
The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents
When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the physics are unforgiving. The size and weight disparity means:
- 20-25 times heavier than your car
- 525 feet to stop at highway speeds (nearly two football fields)
- Catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death
- Multi-vehicle pileups when trucks jackknife or rollover
- Underride collisions where passenger vehicles slide beneath trailers
The injuries we see in Howard County trucking accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis or permanent disability
- Amputations: When limbs are crushed beyond repair
- Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
- Internal Organ Damage: Life-threatening bleeding and trauma
- Wrongful Death: Leaving families devastated
How Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility
Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team swings into action—not to help you, but to protect their interests. They’ll:
- Send investigators to the scene to document evidence favoring their driver
- Download black box data before it can be overwritten
- Interview witnesses to shape the narrative in their favor
- Offer quick settlements designed to pay you far less than you deserve
- Destroy evidence like maintenance records and driver logs
This is why you need Attorney911 on your side immediately. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge of Trucking Industry Tactics
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and try to deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
When you call Attorney911, you’re getting:
- 25+ years of trucking litigation experience from Ralph Manginello
- Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you
- Immediate evidence preservation to protect your case
- Multi-million dollar track record against major trucking companies
- Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving all of Texas
What To Do After a Trucking Accident in Howard County
If you’ve been in a truck accident anywhere in Howard County—on I-20, Highway 87, in Big Spring, or anywhere else—follow these critical steps:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible
- Get the trucking company name and DOT number from the truck
- Collect witness information before they leave the scene
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal help
The Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case
In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. We immediately demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, and engine performance
- ELD Records: Proves hours-of-service violations and fatigue
- Driver Qualification File: Reveals negligent hiring and training
- Maintenance Records: Documents deferred repairs and known defects
- Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Identifies impaired driving
- Dashcam Footage: Provides visual evidence of the accident
- Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
- Cargo Documents: Shows improper loading or securement
This evidence is critical to proving negligence and securing maximum compensation.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Howard County
Our experience with Howard County trucking accidents reveals several recurring causes:
- Driver Fatigue: Violating federal hours-of-service regulations on long hauls
- Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, dispatch communications, GPS programming
- Speeding: Especially dangerous on I-20’s straight stretches
- Improper Loading: Unbalanced or insecure cargo causing rollovers
- Brake Failures: Poor maintenance on oil field equipment
- Tire Blowouts: Common in West Texas heat and with heavy loads
- Underride Collisions: Missing or inadequate rear guards
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks swinging wide in Big Spring intersections
- Blind Spot Collisions: Especially dangerous on multi-lane highways
- Drug/Alcohol Use: Despite strict federal regulations
Holding ALL Responsible Parties Accountable
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent operation
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The Cargo Owner: For improper loading instructions
- The Loading Company: For insecure cargo
- The Truck Manufacturer: For defective components
- The Parts Manufacturer: For faulty brakes, tires, or other parts
- The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs
- The Freight Broker: For selecting unsafe carriers
- The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment
- Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions
We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
Understanding Texas Trucking Insurance Requirements
Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike typical car accidents with limited coverage.
What Your Case Might Be Worth
Trucking accident cases typically settle for significantly more than car accident cases due to:
- Higher insurance limits
- More severe injuries
- Multiple liable parties
- Corporate defendants with deep pockets
While every case is unique, our experience shows:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $300,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Traumatic Brain Injury | $500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
The Most Common FMCSA Violations We Find
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to protect the public. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. The most common violations we find in Howard County trucking cases include:
- Hours of Service Violations: Drivers exceeding 11-hour driving limit
- False Log Entries: Falsifying ELD or paper log records
- Brake System Deficiencies: Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
- Cargo Securement Failures: Inadequate tiedowns or unbalanced loads
- Drug/Alcohol Violations: Operating under the influence
- Unqualified Drivers: No valid CDL or medical certification
- Failure to Inspect: Skipping pre-trip inspections
- Negligent Hiring: Hiring drivers with poor safety records
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
How We Prove Trucking Company Negligence
To win your case, we must prove the trucking company was negligent. Our investigation focuses on:
- Driver Qualification Files: Were they properly maintained? Was the driver qualified?
- Hours of Service Records: Did the driver violate federal rest requirements?
- Maintenance Records: Were known defects ignored or deferred?
- Training Records: Was the driver properly trained on safety procedures?
- Dispatch Records: Was the driver pressured to meet unrealistic schedules?
- Safety Culture: Does the company prioritize safety or profits?
- Previous Violations: Does the company have a history of safety violations?
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Our 48-hour protocol includes:
- Immediate Spoliation Letters: Demanding preservation of all evidence
- ECM/Black Box Download: Securing critical performance data
- ELD Data Preservation: Protecting hours-of-service records
- Dashcam Footage: Retrieving visual evidence of the accident
- Physical Evidence: Securing the truck and failed components
- Witness Interviews: Documenting statements before memories fade
- Accident Reconstruction: Hiring experts to analyze the crash
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Howard County Trucking Case
When you’re fighting against trucking companies with teams of lawyers, you need every advantage. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
- 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
- Federal Court Admission: We can handle cases that cross state lines
- Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña knows their tactics from the inside
- Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
- Immediate Action: We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence
- No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win
- Local Knowledge: We understand Howard County’s trucking corridors and courts
- Spanish Services: Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña provides direct representation
What Our Clients Say About Us
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. When I felt like I had no hope, 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. 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. Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client
“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing. She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
— Stephanie Hernandez, Attorney911 Client
Common Questions About Howard County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
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 as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on many factors including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers, allowing for larger recoveries.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Trucking companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.
Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver is an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.
What if I was injured in a truck accident while working?
If you were injured in a truck accident while on the job, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim against the trucking company. We can help you navigate both systems to maximize your recovery.
How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?
Timelines vary depending on case complexity:
- 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.
Call Attorney911 Now for Immediate Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Howard County, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Howard County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Remember: Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 to help you start building your case today.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
