18-Wheeler Accidents in Hunt County: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents in Hunt County

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are forever changed by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. In Hunt County, our highways and distribution corridors see heavy commercial truck traffic that puts everyday drivers at risk. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Hunt County, you’re not alone. The legal team at Attorney911 understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on families. With over 25 years of experience fighting for truck accident victims, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has recovered millions of dollars for clients just like you.

Why Hunt County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Hunt County presents unique challenges for truck accident victims. Our position along major freight corridors means we see:

• High-speed collisions on I-30 and other major highways
• Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers pushing their hours
• Cargo spill accidents from improperly secured loads
• Underride collisions where passenger vehicles slide beneath trailers
• Brake failure incidents on steep grades and during sudden stops

The trucking companies that operate in Hunt County know these risks – and they have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone who knows how to fight back.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Hunt County’s Top Trucking Accident Lawyers

1. We Know Hunt County’s Trucking Corridors Inside and Out

Our team has handled trucking cases on every major highway in Hunt County, including:

• I-30 corridor – High-speed collisions and fatigue-related crashes
• US-69 and US-380 – Intersection accidents and wide-turn incidents
• Local distribution routes – Cargo spills and blind spot accidents
• Rural county roads – Tire blowouts and brake failures

We understand the unique challenges of Hunt County’s trucking environment – from our distribution centers to our rural roads where emergency response times can be delayed.

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

This is your secret weapon. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers:

• Evaluate claims
• Train adjusters to minimize payouts
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Delay claims to pressure victims into accepting lowball offers

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.

3. We Send Spoliation Letters Within 24 Hours

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears fast:

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD logs may be deleted after 6 months
• Dashcam footage often gets erased within 7-14 days
• Physical evidence can be repaired or destroyed

We send preservation letters immediately to demand that all evidence be preserved. This creates serious legal consequences if the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our notice.

4. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases end up in federal court because:

• Trucking companies are often based in other states
• Federal regulations govern commercial trucking
• Cases may involve multiple defendants across state lines

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – giving us the ability to handle your case in any court it needs to be.

5. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

These results demonstrate our ability to hold trucking companies accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Hunt County

Understanding why these accidents happen is crucial to building your case. The most common causes we see in Hunt County include:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet fatigue remains a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. We investigate:

• ELD records to prove HOS violations
• Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
• Driver qualification files for sleep apnea screening

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

• Cell phone use (banned by 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Dispatch communications
• GPS devices
• Eating and drinking
• In-cab entertainment systems

We subpoena cell phone records and dispatch communications to prove distraction.

3. Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

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

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

We obtain maintenance records and have experts analyze brake systems.

4. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes:

• Rollovers from shifted loads
• Spills that create road hazards
• Overweight trucks with handling problems

We investigate loading practices and securement methods to prove violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

5. Underride Collisions

These deadly crashes occur when passenger vehicles slide beneath trailers. Factors include:

• Missing or inadequate rear impact guards
• Poor visibility conditions
• Sudden stops by trucks
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

We analyze guard compliance and accident dynamics to prove liability.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Hunt County Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles makes catastrophic injuries the norm:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Severe TBIs causing permanent cognitive impairment
• Memory loss, personality changes, and emotional disorders

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries with partial paralysis

Amputations

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations due to crush injuries
• Multiple surgeries and prosthetic needs

Severe Burns

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Chemical burns from hazmat spills
• Electrical burns from damaged wiring

Wrongful Death

• Families left without providers
• Children without parents
• Funeral expenses and lost future income

These injuries often require lifetime care costing millions of dollars. We work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate the full value of your claim.

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

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is that MULTIPLE parties may share liability:

1. The Truck Driver

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Fatigue from HOS violations
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company

• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Inadequate training on safety procedures
• Failure to monitor driver performance
• Pressure to violate HOS regulations
• Poor maintenance practices

3. Cargo Owners and Shippers

• Improper loading instructions
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressure to meet unsafe delivery deadlines

4. Loading Companies

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
• Not following FMCSA securement rules

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

• Defective brake systems
• Faulty tires causing blowouts
• Design defects in trailers
• Manufacturing defects in components

6. Maintenance Companies

• Negligent repairs that fail
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

7. Freight Brokers

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Not checking carrier safety records

Our investigation identifies ALL potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

The Evidence We Gather in Hunt County Trucking Cases

Building a strong case requires collecting and preserving critical evidence:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: Hours of service compliance, GPS location
• Telematics Data: Real-time tracking of driver behavior
• Cell Phone Records: Distracted driving evidence
• Dashcam Footage: Video of the accident and driver behavior

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File (DQF)
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employer verification
• Medical certification and drug test history
• Training records and certifications

Vehicle Records

• 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

Company Records

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

The Hunt County Trucking Accident Claim Process

Step 1: Immediate Action (0-48 Hours)

• We send preservation letters to all potentially liable parties
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
• We obtain the police crash report
• We photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or destroyed
• We identify all potentially liable parties

Step 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• We subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• We request complete Driver Qualification Files
• We obtain all truck maintenance and inspection records
• We subpoena driver cell phone records
• We gather dispatch records and delivery schedules

Step 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialists create 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
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

• We prepare a comprehensive demand package calculating ALL damages
• We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
• We reject lowball offers and prepare for litigation
• We keep you informed every step of the way

Step 5: Litigation (If Needed)

• We file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• We conduct aggressive discovery against all defendants
• We depose the truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel
• We build your case for trial while negotiating from strength

Step 6: Resolution

• The majority of cases settle before trial
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to create leverage
• If necessary, we take your case to verdict
• We ensure you receive maximum compensation

What Your Hunt County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but Hunt County trucking cases typically have higher values because:

• Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
• Injuries are usually more severe than in car accidents
• Multiple liable parties may share responsibility
• Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages

Available when the trucking company acted with:

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

The Hunt County Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Why You Shouldn’t Handle This Alone

Trucking accident cases are far more complex than car accident claims. The trucking industry has:

• Teams of lawyers working to protect their interests
• Rapid-response investigators who arrive at accident scenes quickly
• Millions of dollars in insurance coverage
• Deep knowledge of how to minimize claims

You need an attorney who:

• Understands federal trucking regulations
• Knows how to preserve critical evidence
• Can identify all liable parties
• Has experience with catastrophic injury cases
• Is willing to take your case to trial if necessary

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Hunt County Trucking Accident

At the Scene:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Document the scene with photos and video
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company

After the Accident:

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
• Document all your injuries and symptoms
• Keep all medical records and bills
• Do not post about your accident on social media
• Contact Attorney911 immediately

Our Promise to Hunt County Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. When you call us:

• We’ll answer your call immediately – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• We’ll send preservation letters within 24 hours to protect your evidence
• We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies
• We’ll work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
• We’ll fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
• We’ll be there for you every step of the way

Hunt County’s Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Hunt County, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Our team includes Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of trucking litigation, and Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates. We have offices serving Hunt County and can meet you anywhere in the area.

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

Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers take advantage of you. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Hablamos Español.