18-Wheeler Accidents in Parmer County: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving down US Highway 84 in Parmer County, headed toward Friona or Hereford. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes, your vehicle is crushed beneath the trailer, and your world has changed forever. In that instant, everything you knew – your health, your job, your family’s future – is at risk.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Parmer County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency team that understands the unique dangers of our local trucking corridors, the federal regulations that trucking companies violate every day, and how to hold them fully accountable for the devastation they’ve caused.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the Texas Panhandle 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 Parmer County’s highways, from the grain elevators along US 84 to the cattle haulers on FM 1167, and we know how to win your case.

Why Parmer County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Parmer County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural and energy transportation routes. Our location creates unique risks:

• Grain and cattle truck traffic from local feedlots and elevators
• Oversized agricultural equipment moving between farms
• Long-haul truckers crossing Texas on US 84 and US 60
• Fatigued drivers pushing limits to meet delivery deadlines
• Weight station violations as trucks bypass inspection points
• Seasonal traffic during harvest and calving seasons

The trucking companies that operate here know these risks – and too often, they cut corners to save time and money. When those corners lead to catastrophic accidents, we hold them accountable.

The Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents: Why They’re So Deadly

An 18-wheeler fully loaded with grain, cattle, or other cargo can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than your average passenger vehicle. The physics of these collisions create devastating consequences:

• Stopping distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. A car needs only 300 feet.
• Impact force: An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a 4,000-pound car at the same speed.
• Trailer swing: In jackknife accidents, the trailer can swing across multiple lanes at highway speeds.
• Underride risk: Parmer County’s high-speed rural highways make underride collisions especially deadly.

These aren’t just statistics – they’re the realities we see in our cases every day. The injuries we see most often include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from violent impacts
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
• Amputations from crushing forces
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
• Wrongful death of loved ones

The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Before the ambulance even arrives at the scene of your Parmer County trucking accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at work. Their goal isn’t to help you – it’s to protect their interests and minimize their liability. Here’s what they do:

1. Dispatch investigators to the scene within hours
2. Download black box data before it can be overwritten
3. Interview witnesses before memories fade
4. Take photos that support their version of events
5. Contact you with a lowball settlement offer
6. Pressure you to give a recorded statement
7. Destroy evidence that could prove their negligence

Their playbook is designed to pay you as little as possible – often before you even understand the full extent of your injuries. That’s why you need your own team fighting for you.

Our Insider Advantage: We Know Their Tactics Because We Used to Work for Them

Most personal injury firms have never seen the inside of an insurance company’s claims department. We have. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers:

• Train adjusters to minimize claims
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Pressure drivers to falsify log books
• Delay payments to force lowball settlements
• Destroy evidence that proves liability

Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When you call Attorney911, you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney – someone who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.

The Critical First 48 Hours: Evidence That Disappears Fast

In Parmer County 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears faster than you might think. Here’s what you need to know about the critical evidence timeline:

This is why we act fast. Within hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding immediate preservation of all evidence. We know what to ask for, and we know how to make them comply.

The 10 Most Common Causes of Parmer County Trucking Accidents

Through our years of handling trucking cases in the Texas Panhandle, we’ve identified the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Parmer County:

1. Driver Fatigue – Violating hours of service regulations to meet delivery deadlines
2. Distracted Driving – Cell phone use, GPS programming, dispatch communications
3. Speeding – Especially on rural highways like US 84 and US 60
4. Improper Maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, faulty lighting
5. Cargo Securement Failures – Shifting loads causing rollovers
6. Brake Failures – Especially on long descents approaching Friona or Bovina
7. Tire Blowouts – From poor maintenance or overloading
8. Blind Spot Accidents – Especially on multi-lane highways
9. Wide Turn Collisions – Cutting off vehicles in intersections
10. Impaired Driving – Alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication misuse

Each of these causes represents a violation of federal trucking regulations – violations that can prove negligence and help you recover maximum compensation.

FMCSA Violations: The Key to Proving Your Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking through Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents. Here are the most important FMCSA regulations and how violations can help your case:

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Violations We Commonly Find:

• Hiring drivers without proper CDL
• Failing to check driving records
• Employing drivers with suspended licenses
• Not maintaining complete Driver Qualification Files
• Hiring drivers with histories of accidents or violations

How This Helps Your Case:
Proves the trucking company was negligent in hiring and retaining dangerous drivers. We subpoena the Driver Qualification File to uncover these violations.

Part 392: Driving Rules

Key Violations:

• Driving while fatigued (violating hours of service)
• Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Following too closely

How This Helps:
ELD data and ECM records prove these violations. Even a single violation can establish negligence.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

Critical Violations:

• Brake system deficiencies
• Worn or improper tires
• Faulty lighting or reflectors
• Cargo securement failures
• Missing or defective underride guards

How This Helps:
Maintenance records and post-accident inspections reveal these violations. Mechanical failures often cause or contribute to accidents.

Part 395: Hours of Service Regulations

The Most Commonly Violated Regulations:

• Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• Not taking required 30-minute breaks
• Exceeding 60/70-hour weekly limits
• Falsifying log books

How This Helps:
ELD data provides irrefutable evidence of HOS violations. Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Frequent Violations:

• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Not repairing known defects
• Ignoring out-of-service orders
• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Not maintaining proper records

How This Helps:
Maintenance records show patterns of neglect. If the truck was in violation at the time of your accident, the company is liable.

The 10 Parties Who May Be Liable for Your Injuries

In Parmer County 18-wheeler accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement or overloading
5. The Truck Manufacturer – For defective design or manufacturing
6. The Parts Manufacturer – For defective components like brakes or tires
7. The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or inspections
8. The Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
9. The Truck Owner – If different from the carrier (negligent entrustment)
10. Government Entities – For dangerous road design or maintenance

In one recent Parmer County case, we identified seven separate defendants who shared responsibility for our client’s catastrophic injuries. Each additional defendant increases the available insurance coverage and improves your chances of full compensation.

Catastrophic Injuries from Parmer County Trucking Accidents

The injuries we see in Parmer County 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, dizziness, memory problems
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Permanent disability, coma, lifelong care needs

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Partial loss of function

Lifetime Costs: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000+

Amputations

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical Amputation: Required due to crash injuries

Ongoing Needs: Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), rehabilitation, psychological counseling

Severe Burns

• Thermal Burns: From fuel fires
• Chemical Burns: From hazardous cargo spills
• Friction Burns: From road contact

Treatment: Multiple surgeries, skin grafts, long-term rehabilitation

Internal Organ Damage

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen ruptures
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

Danger: May not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Parmer County families may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering of the decedent
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

The True Cost of Your Injuries: What You’re Really Entitled To

Many Parmer County residents don’t realize the full value of their trucking accident claim. Insurance companies want you to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Here’s what you may actually be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation, home modifications, medical equipment
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you love
• Disfigurement: Scarring and visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Parmer County juries may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. This can include cases where:

• The company pressured drivers to violate hours of service
• They knowingly hired dangerous drivers
• They destroyed evidence to cover up violations
• They had a pattern of similar violations

What Your Parmer County Trucking Accident Case Is Really Worth

Case values in Parmer County 18-wheeler accidents depend on many factors:

These ranges represent documented settlements and verdicts in Texas trucking cases. Your specific case value depends on:

• The severity of your injuries
• The clarity of liability
• The trucking company’s insurance coverage
• The strength of the evidence
• The skill of your legal team

The Parmer County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most

Parmer County’s location at the intersection of major transportation routes creates unique risks:

US Highway 84

• Primary Route: Runs east-west through Parmer County
• Traffic: Heavy truck traffic serving local agriculture and energy sectors
• Risk Factors: High-speed rural highway, limited truck parking, fatigued drivers
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, rollovers from cargo shifts, fatigue-related crashes

US Highway 60

• Primary Route: Connects Parmer County to Amarillo and New Mexico
• Traffic: Long-haul truckers crossing the Texas Panhandle
• Risk Factors: Weight stations, sudden weather changes, cattle truck traffic
• Common Accidents: Underride collisions, tire blowouts, intersection crashes

FM 1167 and FM 299

• Primary Routes: Connect rural areas to US 84 and US 60
• Traffic: Local agricultural equipment, grain trucks, cattle haulers
• Risk Factors: Oversized loads, unmarked intersections, limited lighting
• Common Accidents: Wide turn collisions, blind spot accidents, cargo spills

County Roads

• Primary Routes: Connecting farms and ranches to main highways
• Traffic: Agricultural equipment, livestock trucks
• Risk Factors: Unpaved sections, limited maintenance, seasonal traffic
• Common Accidents: Rollovers, equipment collisions, road departure crashes

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

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

1. Call 911 Immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at Parmer County Medical Center or another local facility
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and damage
4. Collect Information – Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
5. Identify Witnesses – Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident
6. Preserve Evidence – Keep all medical records, accident reports, and communications
7. Do NOT Give Statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
8. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Why Parmer County Residents Choose Attorney911

When you’re fighting a trucking company after a catastrophic accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and local knowledge to win. Here’s why Parmer County families trust us:

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
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• Deep familiarity with Parmer County trucking corridors and accident patterns

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers:

• Train adjusters to minimize claims
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Pressure drivers to falsify log books
• Delay payments to force lowball settlements
• Destroy evidence that proves liability

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for Parmer County families, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Parmer County

We understand Parmer County’s unique trucking environment:

• The agricultural traffic patterns on US 84
• The weight station operations on US 60
• The seasonal traffic during harvest and calving seasons
• The local courts and judges who handle these cases
• The medical facilities where victims receive treatment

Comprehensive Legal Resources

We have the resources to handle even the most complex trucking cases:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical specialists to document your injuries
• Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts
• Former insurance defense attorneys

Compassionate Client Service

We treat every client like family. Our clients say:

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

“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”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Win Your Case

We don’t just handle trucking accident cases – we specialize in them. Here’s how we build winning cases for Parmer County residents:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report from Parmer County Sheriff’s Office
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates 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

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

The Most Common Trucking Accidents in Parmer County

We’ve handled every type of trucking accident in Parmer County. Here are the most common types and how we prove liability:

Jackknife Accidents

What Happens: The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes

Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding, especially on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience

How We Prove Liability:

• ECM data showing braking and speed
• Maintenance records for brake system
• Cargo loading documentation
• Weather conditions at time of accident
• Skid mark analysis

Rollover Accidents

What Happens: The truck tips onto its side or roof, often causing cargo spills

Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves
• Taking turns too sharply
• Improperly secured cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh”
• Overcorrection after tire blowout
• Driver fatigue

How We Prove Liability:

• ECM data showing speed through curve
• Cargo securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records
• Road geometry analysis

Underride Collisions

What Happens: A smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation

Types:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer

Common Causes:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without warning
• Low visibility conditions
• Truck lane changes into blind spots

How We Prove Liability:

• Underride guard inspection records
• Rear lighting compliance documentation
• Guard installation and certification records
• Visibility conditions analysis

Rear-End Collisions

What Happens: The truck strikes the back of another vehicle

Common Causes:

• Following too closely
• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Excessive speed
• Brake failures
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

How We Prove Liability:

• ECM data showing following distance
• ELD data for fatigue analysis
• Cell phone records for distraction
• Brake inspection records
• Dashcam footage

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

What Happens: The truck swings wide before a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter

Common Causes:

• Failure to properly signal
• Inadequate mirror checks
• Improper turn technique
• Driver inexperience
• Failure to yield right-of-way

How We Prove Liability:

• Turn signal activation data
• Mirror condition records
• Driver training records
• Intersection geometry analysis
• Witness statements

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

What Happens: The truck changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind
3. Left Side No-Zone: Smaller area
4. Right Side No-Zone: Largest area – most dangerous

How We Prove Liability:

• Mirror condition and adjustment
• Lane change data from ECM
• Turn signal activation records
• Driver training on blind spot awareness

Tire Blowout Accidents

What Happens: A tire failure causes the driver to lose control

Common Causes:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching

How We Prove Liability:

• Tire maintenance records
• Tire age and wear documentation
• Vehicle weight records
• Failed tire for defect analysis

Brake Failure Accidents

What Happens: The truck’s braking system fails or underperforms

Common Causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective components

How We Prove Liability:

• Brake inspection records
• Maintenance history
• ECM data showing brake effectiveness
• Post-crash brake system analysis

The Parmer County Trucking Industry: Who We’re Fighting

Parmer County is home to several trucking companies and serves as a major corridor for national carriers. Some of the companies we’ve successfully litigated against include:

• Local agricultural haulers serving grain elevators and feedlots
• National carriers like Swift Transportation and Werner Enterprises
• Oilfield trucking companies serving energy operations
• Cattle haulers transporting livestock to processing facilities
• Retail distribution trucks from major retailers
• Grain trucks during harvest season

We’ve also handled cases against major commercial entities including Walmart trucking operations, Coca-Cola distribution vehicles, Amazon delivery trucks, FedEx trucks, and UPS trucks.

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911

When you call our Parmer County trucking accident hotline at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:

1. Immediate Response – We answer 24/7 and can meet you at the hospital or your home if needed
2. Free Case Evaluation – We review your case at no cost and explain your legal options
3. Emergency Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters within hours to protect critical evidence
4. Medical Care Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance
5. Full Investigation – We gather all evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case
6. Aggressive Negotiation – We fight for maximum compensation from all liable parties
7. Trial Preparation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to create settlement leverage

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for You

Trucking companies and their insurers have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim. Here’s how we counter their strategies:

Parmer County Trucking Accident FAQ

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

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

• 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 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

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. Parmer County Medical Center and other local facilities 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?

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?

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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

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

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Parmer 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.

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 but for trucks. 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 Parmer 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 Parmer 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 Parmer 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
• Medical expenses before death
• 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 Parmer 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.

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 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.

Parmer County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Medical Facilities

• Parmer County Medical Center – Friona, TX
• Hereford Regional Medical Center – Hereford, TX
• Covenant Hospital Plainview – Plainview, TX (Level IV Trauma Center)
• Northwest Texas Healthcare System – Amarillo, TX (Level III Trauma Center)

Law Enforcement Agencies

• Parmer County Sheriff’s Office – (806) 250-2751
• Texas Department of Public Safety – (806) 356-5500
• Friona Police Department – (806) 250-2351
• Hereford Police Department – (806) 364-4511

Truck Inspection Stations

• Parmer County Weigh Station – US 60 near Friona
• Deaf Smith County Weigh Station – US 60 near Hereford
• Castro County Weigh Station – US 385 near Dimmitt

Legal Resources

• Parmer County Courthouse – 401 3rd St, Farwell, TX 79325
• Texas Department of Transportation – TxDOT Amarillo District
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company’s legal team is working to protect their interests – not yours. They have:

• Rapid-response investigators
• Teams of lawyers
• Millions in insurance
• A playbook to minimize your claim

You deserve the same level of representation. You deserve a team that will fight for maximum compensation and hold every responsible party accountable.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll meet you at the hospital or your home if needed.

“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.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Hablamos Español.