18-Wheeler Accidents in Somervell County: Your Complete Legal Guide
Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in collisions with 18-wheelers on our state’s highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Somervell County, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable right here in North Texas.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you.
Why Somervell County Trucking Accidents Are Different
We know Somervell County’s trucking corridors, from US-67 to the distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.
The trucking corridors serving Somervell County see significant commercial traffic. US-67 connects Glen Rose to major highways like I-20 and I-35W, carrying freight between Fort Worth, Stephenville, and beyond. The area’s growing economy and proximity to major metro areas mean more trucks on our roads – and more opportunities for catastrophic accidents.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Somervell County
Trucking accidents in our area often result from:
- Driver fatigue – Violating federal hours-of-service regulations
- Distracted driving – Cell phone use, dispatch communications, GPS
- Improper maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, faulty lighting
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo – Violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136
- Speeding – Especially on US-67 and rural highways
- Driver inexperience – Poor training on handling large vehicles
- Impaired driving – Drugs or alcohol
- Equipment failures – Brake failures, tire blowouts
One of the most dangerous situations we see in Somervell County involves trucks making wide turns at intersections. The tight turns required on our local roads, combined with the long trailers, create significant blind spots where smaller vehicles can become trapped and crushed.
The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Somervell County crashes:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The extreme forces can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring lifelong care.
- Amputations: Crushing forces or entrapment can lead to traumatic amputation of limbs.
- Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures or cargo fires can cause life-threatening burns.
- Internal Organ Damage: The impact can rupture organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, many 18-wheeler accidents in Somervell County result in fatalities.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
What To Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident in Somervell County
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Somervell County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at Glen Rose Medical Center or another local facility
- Document the scene – Take photos and video of all vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries
- Get the trucking company information – Name, DOT number, driver’s contact info
- Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
- Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
- Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
Every hour you wait, evidence in your Somervell County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies in Somervell County and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
Why You Need a Somervell County Trucking Accident Attorney
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. You need someone on your side who knows:
- Federal trucking regulations – 49 CFR Parts 390-399
- Texas personal injury law – Including the 2-year statute of limitations
- Somervell County courts – Our local judges and procedures
- Insurance company tactics – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
Our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims. We know how to:
- Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
- Identify all liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo owner, etc.)
- Calculate the full value of your claim (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering)
- Negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength
- Take your case to trial if necessary
The Evidence We Preserve in Your Somervell County Case
In trucking accident cases, we immediately send spoliation letters to preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position
- ELD Records – Proves hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification File – Shows hiring negligence
- Maintenance Records – Reveals deferred repairs
- Dispatch Records – Documents schedule pressure
- Cell Phone Records – Proves distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage – Shows what really happened
This evidence can make or break your case. In one recent case, ECM data showed a truck driver was speeding at 72 mph in a 55 mph zone moments before causing a catastrophic accident on US-67. That objective evidence led to a multi-million dollar settlement.
All Parties We Hold Accountable in Somervell County Trucking Cases
In addition to the truck driver, we investigate and pursue claims against:
- The trucking company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The cargo owner – For improper loading instructions
- The loading company – For improper cargo securement
- Truck manufacturers – For defective components
- Parts manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other parts
- Maintenance companies – For negligent repairs
- Freight brokers – For negligent carrier selection
- Government entities – For dangerous road conditions
In a recent Somervell County case, we discovered that a third-party maintenance company had failed to properly adjust the truck’s brakes. This negligence contributed to a rear-end collision that caused our client’s spinal cord injury. We held both the trucking company and the maintenance provider accountable.
Common FMCSA Violations We Find in Somervell County Cases
Federal regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. Common violations we find include:
- Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond the 11-hour limit (49 CFR § 395)
- False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
- Brake System Deficiencies – Worn brakes or improper adjustment (49 CFR § 393.48)
- Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
- Unqualified Drivers – Operating without valid CDL or medical certificate
- Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under the influence
- Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspection, ignored defects
- Improper Lighting – Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors
- Negligent Hiring – No background check, incomplete DQ file
- Mobile Phone Use – Texting or hand-held phone while driving (49 CFR § 392.82)
In a recent case involving a truck that jackknifed on US-67 near Glen Rose, we discovered the driver had been on duty for 16 consecutive hours – a clear violation of federal regulations. This evidence was crucial in proving the trucking company’s negligence.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Somervell County
| Accident Type | Common Causes in Somervell County | Typical Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Jackknife Accidents | Sudden braking on US-67, wet roads, improperly loaded cargo | Multi-vehicle pileups, fatalities |
| Underride Collisions | Inadequate rear guards, sudden stops, poor visibility | Decapitation, catastrophic head/neck injuries, death |
| Tire Blowouts | Poor maintenance, overloading, manufacturing defects | Loss of control, rollovers, multi-vehicle accidents |
| Rollover Accidents | Speeding on rural highways, top-heavy loads | Crushing injuries, cargo spills, fatalities |
| Blind Spot Collisions | Failure to check mirrors, improper lane changes | Severe impact injuries, crushing |
| Wide Turn Accidents | Failure to account for trailer swing, tight turns in Glen Rose | Pedestrian/cyclist deaths, vehicle crushing |
| Brake Failure | Poor maintenance, overheating, manufacturing defects | High-speed impact collisions, pileups |
| Driver Fatigue | HOS violations, sleep apnea, pressure from carrier | Catastrophic collisions at highway speed |
| Distracted Driving | Cell phone use, in-cab electronics, eating | All types of collisions |
| Impaired Driving | Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication misuse | All types of collisions |
| Cargo Spills | Improperly secured loads, container failures | Burns, chemical exposure, explosions, fires |
| Head-On Collisions | Wrong-way driving, median crossover, driver incapacitation | Almost always fatal for passenger vehicle |
| Rear-End Collisions | Following too closely, brake failure, distraction | Crushing injuries, underride |
The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for You
Insurance companies have one goal: pay you as little as possible. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use:
| Insurance Tactic | Our Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|
| Quick Lowball Offers | Never accept early offers; calculate full future damages first |
| Denying Injuries | Obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony |
| Blaming You | Investigate fully; gather evidence disproving fault allegations |
| Delaying Claims | File lawsuit to force discovery; set depositions |
| Recorded Statements | Advise clients NEVER give statements without attorney present |
| “Pre-Existing Condition” | Apply Texas “Eggshell Skull” doctrine (take plaintiff as found) |
| “Gap in Treatment” | Document all treatment; explain gaps with medical records |
| Surveillance | Advise clients on appropriate conduct; expose unfair surveillance |
| “Independent” Medical Exams | Counter with client’s treating physicians and independent experts |
| Paperwork Overload | Aggressive litigation and motion practice to force resolution |
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
What Your Somervell County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth
Case values depend on many factors, including:
- 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 limits than typical drivers:
- Minimum coverage for non-hazardous freight: $750,000
- Oil and large equipment: $1,000,000
- Hazardous materials: $5,000,000
This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. We’ve recovered millions for Somervell County families in trucking-related wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury claims.
The Legal Process for Your Somervell County Trucking Accident Case
- Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
- Immediate Investigation – Send spoliation letters, preserve evidence
- Medical Care Coordination – Connect you with specialists
- Demand Letter – Calculate all damages and demand compensation
- Negotiation – Fight for maximum settlement
- Litigation (if needed) – File lawsuit, conduct discovery, take depositions
- Trial or Settlement – Prepare for trial while negotiating settlement
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Somervell County Trucking Accident Case
- 25+ years of experience – Fighting trucking companies since 1998
- Multi-million dollar results – Recovered millions for trucking accident victims
- Federal court experience – Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Insurance defense advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
- Somervell County knowledge – We know the local courts, judges, and trucking corridors
- No fee unless we win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
- 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to our Spanish-speaking clients in Somervell County. We understand that many trucking accident victims in our area speak Spanish as their primary language, and we’re committed to serving all members of our community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Somervell County Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Somerville County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Evidence disappears quickly – we send preservation letters within hours to protect your rights.
Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Somervell County?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- The loading company
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- Government entities (for road defects)
Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?
Yes. Under 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 is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data including:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Engine RPM and throttle position
- GPS location
- Hours of service
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Somervell County?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Somervell County?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
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 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.
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.
What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Somervell County uses Texas’ 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.
What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?
An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.
How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?
FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:
- CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
- Inspection history and out-of-service rates
- Crash history
- Safety rating
A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Somervell 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.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We identify all available insurance policies, including excess and umbrella coverage. Even if the primary company is bankrupt, other liable parties (loading companies, maintenance providers, etc.) may have coverage.
How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We obtain:
- ELD data showing hours of service violations
- Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
- Cell phone records showing late-night communication
- Driver qualification file showing sleep apnea or other conditions
- Witness statements about driver behavior
The Attorney911 Difference: Why Somervell County Families Trust Us
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
At Attorney911, we treat every client like family. We know that after a catastrophic trucking accident, you’re facing:
- Mounting medical bills
- Lost income
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Uncertainty about the future
That’s why we fight aggressively to hold trucking companies accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Our approach combines:
- Local knowledge – We know Somervell County’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns
- Federal expertise – Deep understanding of FMCSA regulations
- Insurance insider knowledge – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
- Aggressive representation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
- Compassionate service – We treat you like family, not a case number
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win
Right now, the trucking company that caused your accident has rapid-response teams working to protect their interests. They have:
- Lawyers
- Investigators
- Insurance adjusters
- Millions in insurance coverage
You need someone on your side who fights just as hard. At Attorney911, we have:
- 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
- A former insurance defense attorney on our team
- Federal court experience
- A track record of multi-million dollar results
- Offices serving Somervell County families
Call Attorney911 Now – 1-888-ATTY-911
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Somervell County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Somervell County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Every hour you wait, evidence in your case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is working right now to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your call and start protecting your rights immediately.
“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
