18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Montague County, Texas

Every year, thousands of families in Montague County face life-altering consequences when 18-wheelers collide with passenger vehicles on our local highways. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Montague County, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our North Texas roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Montague County and throughout 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 catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. We know Montague County’s trucking corridors, from US-82 to the distribution centers in Bowie, and we’re ready to put that local knowledge to work for your case.

Why Montague County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Montague County’s position in North Texas creates unique trucking accident risks. Our highways serve as critical connectors between major freight routes, with US-82 handling significant commercial traffic moving between Wichita Falls, Sherman, and beyond. The mix of local agricultural trucking, oil field equipment transport, and long-haul freight creates complex traffic patterns that demand specialized legal expertise.

Trucking companies know that Montague County’s rural nature means fewer witnesses, longer emergency response times, and limited surveillance coverage – factors they often exploit to minimize liability. That’s why you need an attorney who understands Montague County’s specific challenges and knows how to counter these tactics.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Montague County

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The long stretches of highway in Montague County make it particularly susceptible to fatigue-related truck crashes. Under federal regulations (49 CFR § 395), truck drivers are limited to:

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

Yet many Montague County trucking accidents occur because drivers push beyond these limits to meet tight delivery schedules. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to conceal hours of service violations. Our team knows how to obtain and analyze this critical evidence.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Montague County’s agricultural and industrial base means our roads see heavy loads of everything from farm equipment to oil field machinery. When cargo isn’t properly secured according to 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it can shift during transport, causing rollovers or spills that lead to multi-vehicle accidents.

We’ve handled cases where improperly loaded hay bales fell onto Montague County roads, causing chain-reaction crashes, and where oil field equipment wasn’t properly secured, leading to catastrophic accidents on US-82.

Brake Failures and Maintenance Neglect

The rolling hills and long grades in Montague County put particular stress on truck braking systems. When maintenance is deferred to save costs, brake failures can occur. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.48) require systematic inspection and maintenance of all braking systems, yet we frequently find violations in Montague County trucking cases.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite federal prohibitions on hand-held phone use (49 CFR § 392.82) and strict alcohol limits (.04 BAC for commercial drivers), we still see distracted and impaired driving causing accidents in Montague County. The rural nature of our roads can make enforcement challenging, but our team knows how to obtain cell phone records and drug/alcohol test results to prove these violations.

Wide Turn Accidents

Montague County’s rural intersections, particularly where US-82 meets local roads, are hotspots for wide turn accidents. Trucks making right turns must often swing wide to avoid curbs or roadside obstacles, creating dangerous gaps that smaller vehicles may enter. When the truck completes its turn, it can crush the smaller vehicle.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Montague County

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, are particularly dangerous on Montague County’s two-lane highways. These often occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads, or when empty trailers (more common in agricultural areas) lose traction.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents, where a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, are among the deadliest truck crashes. While federal law requires rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards – a dangerous gap in protection that we see too often in Montague County accidents.

Rollover Accidents

The combination of high center of gravity and rural road conditions makes rollovers a significant risk in Montague County. These accidents frequently occur when trucks take curves too fast or when cargo shifts during transport.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded 18-wheeler needs up to 525 feet to stop at highway speeds – nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react to traffic conditions, rear-end collisions can cause devastating injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.

Wide Turn Accidents

As mentioned earlier, wide turn accidents are particularly common at Montague County’s rural intersections. We’ve handled cases at several locations along US-82 where trucks making right turns have crushed passenger vehicles.

Blind Spot Accidents

The “No-Zones” around large trucks – areas where the driver has limited or no visibility – are especially dangerous on Montague County’s two-lane highways. The right-side blind spot is particularly large and hazardous.

Liable Parties in Montague County Trucking Accidents

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. In Montague County cases, we’ve successfully pursued claims against:

The Truck Driver

For direct negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment.

The Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ actions within the scope of employment. They can also be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records)
Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

When improperly loaded or secured cargo causes accidents, the companies responsible for loading may share liability.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

For defective equipment such as faulty brakes, tires, or safety systems.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for negligent repairs or inspections.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent selection of unsafe carriers.

Government Entities

In rare cases, government agencies may share liability for dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident.

Our Montague County Trucking Accident Investigation Process

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties, demanding preservation of critical evidence including:

ECM/Black box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
ELD records
Dashcam footage
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
Cell phone records
GPS/telematics data

Comprehensive Evidence Gathering

Our team conducts a thorough investigation including:

Accident scene analysis (we visit Montague County crash sites personally)
Vehicle inspections before repairs
ECM/ELD data downloads and analysis
Driver qualification file review
Maintenance record examination
Cargo loading documentation
Witness interviews
Police report analysis
Weather and road condition documentation

Expert Analysis

We work with top experts including:

Accident reconstruction specialists
Medical experts to document injuries
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts to determine present value of damages
Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
FMCSA regulation experts

Catastrophic Injuries from Montague County Trucking Accidents

The force of an 18-wheeler collision – a vehicle that can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car – often results in catastrophic injuries. We’ve represented Montague County families dealing with:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms may include:

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

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function
Complete injuries with total loss of sensation and movement

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of limbs.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires can cause devastating burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, we help surviving family members pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

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

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Montague County Trucking Case

Local Knowledge

We understand Montague County’s unique trucking landscape. Our team knows the local courts, judges, and the specific challenges of our rural roads. We’ve handled cases involving agricultural trucking, oil field equipment transport, and long-haul freight moving through our county.

Insider Advantage

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny liability. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims in Montague County.

Proven Track Record

With over $50 million recovered for our clients, including multi-million dollar trucking accident settlements, we have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex Montague County trucking cases.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle federal trucking cases that cross state lines.

Bilingual Services

Many truck drivers in Montague County are Spanish-speaking, and our team includes fluent Spanish speakers who can communicate directly with witnesses and clients without interpreters.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and our fee comes from the settlement or verdict – not from your pocket.

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

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

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated
Document the scene – Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Skid marks and debris
- Your injuries
- The truck and trailer (including license plates and DOT numbers)
Collect information – Get:
- The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and contact information
- Witness names and contact information
- The responding officer’s name and badge number
Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
Call Attorney911 immediately – Critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases

Montague County Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Montague County trucking accident statistics aren’t always available, statewide Texas data provides context for the risks on our local roads:

Texas leads the nation in trucking accident fatalities
In 2022, Texas had 684 fatal crashes involving large trucks
18-wheelers are involved in approximately 12% of all fatal crashes in Texas
The most dangerous trucking corridors in Texas include I-10, I-35, and I-45 – all routes that connect to Montague County
Fatigue is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes
Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes

In Montague County specifically, we see higher rates of certain types of trucking accidents due to our rural nature and agricultural/industrial economy.

Montague County Trucking Corridors and Accident Hotspots

Montague County’s highway system serves as an important connector in North Texas, handling significant commercial traffic. Key routes include:

US-82

Running east-west through Montague County, US-82 is a major trucking corridor connecting Wichita Falls to Sherman. This route sees heavy agricultural truck traffic, oil field equipment transport, and long-haul freight moving between major interstates. The stretch between Bowie and Montague is particularly busy with commercial traffic.

Key accident factors on US-82:

Mix of local and through traffic
Agricultural equipment entering/exiting the roadway
Limited shoulders and passing zones
Intersections with local roads that create wide-turn hazards
Variable speed limits that can confuse drivers

US-287

Running north-south through Montague County, US-287 connects Fort Worth to Wichita Falls. This route serves as an alternative to I-35 for some truck traffic and sees significant commercial activity.

State Highway 59

Connecting Bowie to the Oklahoma border, SH-59 handles local truck traffic serving Montague County’s agricultural and industrial businesses.

Local Roads Serving Distribution Centers

The distribution centers in Bowie and other Montague County communities generate significant local truck traffic, creating accident risks at intersections and loading zones.

Montague County-Specific Trucking Accident Factors

Agricultural Trucking

Montague County’s agricultural economy means our roads see significant truck traffic related to:

Livestock transport
Hay and feed deliveries
Farm equipment movement
Grain transport

These agricultural trucks often have unique safety challenges, including:

Seasonal peaks in traffic during harvest times
Equipment that may not meet all commercial vehicle safety standards
Drivers who may not have commercial licenses
Overloaded or improperly secured loads

Oil Field Equipment Transport

While not as intense as in some West Texas counties, Montague County still sees oil field equipment being transported to and from drilling sites. These oversized loads present unique risks:

Wide loads that can obstruct multiple lanes
Slow-moving vehicles on rural roads
Equipment that may not be properly secured
Drivers who may be unfamiliar with local road conditions

Rural Road Challenges

Montague County’s rural nature creates specific trucking safety challenges:

Limited cell service in some areas, making emergency response slower
Fewer witnesses to accidents
Limited surveillance camera coverage
Longer emergency response times
Roads that may not be designed for heavy truck traffic
Limited truck parking and rest areas

Weather Conditions

Montague County’s weather patterns create unique trucking hazards:

Winter: Ice and snow can make rural roads treacherous, particularly for empty trailers
Spring: Severe thunderstorms with high winds can affect high-profile trailers
Summer: Extreme heat can cause tire blowouts
Fall: Early morning fog can reduce visibility on rural roads

Recent Montague County Trucking Accident Cases

While we can’t discuss specific cases we’ve handled due to confidentiality, we can share general examples of the types of trucking accidents we see in Montague County:

US-82 Rollover Accident

A truck hauling agricultural equipment rolled over on US-82 near Bowie when the driver took a curve too fast. The improperly secured equipment shifted during the turn, causing the truck to lose stability. Our investigation revealed that the driver had exceeded his hours of service limits and that the trucking company had a history of maintenance violations.

Wide Turn Collision at Rural Intersection

A truck making a right turn at an intersection on US-82 struck a passenger vehicle that had entered the gap created by the wide turn. The trucking company initially denied liability, but our investigation revealed that the driver had a history of similar violations and that the company had failed to properly train him on wide turn procedures.

Rear-End Collision on US-287

An 18-wheeler rear-ended a passenger vehicle on US-287 near Montague, causing severe injuries to the occupants. The trucking company claimed the accident was unavoidable due to sudden traffic slowdown, but our analysis of the ECM data showed that the driver had been following too closely and had failed to apply the brakes in time.

Cargo Spill on State Highway 59

A truck hauling hay bales lost part of its load on SH-59 near Nocona, causing a multi-vehicle accident. Our investigation revealed that the cargo had been improperly secured and that the loading company had failed to follow proper securement procedures.

Montague County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

If you’re involved in a trucking accident in Montague County, you may be taken to:

Nocona General Hospital – Provides emergency care for Montague County residents
United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) – Level III trauma center serving the region
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center (Wichita Falls) – Another major medical center serving Montague County

Law Enforcement Agencies

Montague County trucking accidents may be investigated by:

Montague County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol)
Local police departments (Bowie, Nocona, etc.)

Truck Inspection Stations

Montague County has limited permanent inspection stations, but mobile inspections occur regularly. Nearby permanent stations include:

Wichita Falls Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Station (on I-44)
Gainesville Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Station (on I-35)

Legal Resources

Montague County Courthouse – Where lawsuits would be filed
Texas Department of Transportation – For road condition reports
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – For trucking company safety records

Montague County Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Montague County?

Call 911 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, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a Montague County trucking accident?

Contact an attorney 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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

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

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Montague 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)

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, training, supervision, or maintenance.

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

Montague County follows Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

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.

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.

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 Montague County 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 Montague County 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 Montague County 18-wheeler accidents?

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 Montague 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.

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve in Montague County?

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 Montague County 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.

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.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my Montague County accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

Motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Montague County Trucking Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Montague County, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We offer:

24/7 availability
Free case evaluations
Contingency fee representation (you pay nothing unless we win)
Local Montague County knowledge
Federal court experience
Insider knowledge of trucking company tactics

Our Montague County trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Montague County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”