18-Wheeler Accidents in Frankston, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways—many right here in Frankston (Anderson County). If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Frankston, Texas, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across East 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. We know Frankston’s trucking corridors, from US-79 to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous)

The Physics of Trucking Accidents

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20-25 times heavier than a passenger car.
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the force of impact is catastrophic, often resulting in:
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Wrongful death

Frankston’s High-Risk Trucking Corridors

Frankston sits at the intersection of US-79 and State Highway 155, making it a critical route for commercial trucking in East Texas. The area also sees heavy truck traffic from:

• Agricultural shipments (livestock, timber, produce)
• Oil and gas industry (equipment transport to nearby drilling sites)
• Retail and manufacturing distribution (warehouses serving Tyler, Palestine, and Longview)

Common accident hotspots in Frankston and Anderson County include:

• US-79 near Frankston (high-speed collisions, sudden stops)
• SH-155 intersections (wide-turn accidents, blind spots)
• Local roads near distribution centers (fatigued drivers, improper loading)
• Weigh stations and inspection points (where overloaded trucks may be forced to stop suddenly)

Why Trucking Companies Try to Hide Evidence

After a crash, trucking companies act fast—often within hours—to protect their interests. They may:
✅ Destroy or overwrite black box data (which can disappear in 30 days)
✅ Delete dashcam footage (often overwritten within 7-14 days)
✅ Pressure drivers to change their stories
✅ Send rapid-response teams to “investigate” (but really to minimize liability)

This is why you must act immediately. If you wait, critical evidence may vanish forever, weakening your case and reducing your compensation.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Frankston

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries in these accidents are often life-altering—or fatal.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these injuries in a Frankston trucking accident, you need an attorney who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Frankston 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be responsible for a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service regulations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medication)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violating traffic laws (running red lights, improper lane changes)

Evidence we pursue:
✔ ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data (proves HOS violations)
✔ Drug and alcohol test results
✔ Cell phone records (proves distraction)
✔ Previous accident history
✔ Training records

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets (highest insurance limits).

Bases for liability:

• Vicarious liability (respondeat superior) – The company is responsible for the driver’s negligence.
• Direct negligence – The company may be liable for:
  • Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
  • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Driver Qualification File (DQF) (proves negligent hiring)
✔ Hours of service records (proves fatigue violations)
✔ Maintenance and inspection records (proves deferred repairs)
✔ Dispatch logs (proves pressure to violate HOS)
✔ Safety policies and training records
✔ CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores (proves pattern of violations)

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Shipping contracts and bills of lading
✔ Loading instructions
✔ Hazmat disclosure documentation
✔ Weight certification records

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Loading company securement procedures
✔ Loader training records
✔ Securement equipment used
✔ Weight distribution documentation

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

If a defective part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Recall notices and technical service bulletins
✔ Similar defect complaints (NHTSA database)
✔ Design specifications and testing records
✔ Failed component for expert analysis

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Failed component for expert analysis
✔ Recall history for specific parts
✔ Similar failure patterns
✔ Manufacturing and quality control records

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs (failing to fix known problems)
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Maintenance work orders
✔ Mechanic qualifications and training
✔ Parts used in repairs
✔ Inspection reports and recommendations

8. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier (choosing a company with a poor safety record)
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Broker-carrier agreements
✔ Carrier selection criteria
✔ Carrier safety record at time of selection
✔ Broker’s due diligence procedures

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment (giving the vehicle to an unfit driver)
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Lease agreements
✔ Maintenance responsibility allocations
✔ Owner’s knowledge of driver history

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

• Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Special considerations in Texas:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability.
• Strict notice requirements (must file claim within 6 months in many cases).
• Must prove actual notice of the dangerous condition.

Evidence we pursue:
✔ Road design specifications
✔ Maintenance records
✔ Prior accident history at the location
✔ Citizen complaints about the condition

How We Investigate Your Frankston 18-Wheeler Accident

At Attorney911, we leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our investigation process includes:

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-48 Hours)

✅ Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, insurer, and all potentially liable parties
✅ Demand immediate download of ECM/black box and ELD data
✅ Secure dashcam footage before it’s overwritten
✅ Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries before evidence is moved or repaired
✅ Identify and interview witnesses before memories fade
✅ Obtain police crash report and 911 call recordings

Phase 2: Comprehensive Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

✅ Subpoena ELD data downloads (proves HOS violations)
✅ Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
✅ Obtain complete Driver Qualification File (DQF) (proves negligent hiring)
✅ Request all truck maintenance and inspection records (proves deferred repairs)
✅ Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history (proves pattern of violations)
✅ Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) (proves unsafe driving history)
✅ Subpoena driver’s cell phone records (proves distracted driving)
✅ Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules (proves pressure to violate HOS)

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

✅ Accident reconstruction specialist creates detailed 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 for catastrophic injuries
✔ 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)

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are federal law, and violations are powerful evidence of negligence.

The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations

Most Common FMCSA Violations in Frankston Trucking Accidents

1. Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond 11-hour limit, no breaks
2. False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
3. Failure to Maintain Brakes – Worn brakes, improper adjustment
4. Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns, shifting loads
5. Unqualified Driver – Operating without valid CDL or medical certificate
6. Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under influence, failed tests
7. Mobile Phone Use – Texting, hand-held phone while driving
8. Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspection, ignored defects
9. Improper Lighting – Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors
10. Negligent Hiring – No background check, incomplete DQ file

Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to winning your case. At Attorney911, we know how to obtain and analyze this evidence to build a strong claim.

Electronic Evidence: The “Black Box” That Can Win Your Case

Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic recording devices that capture critical data about the vehicle’s operation. This data is objective, tamper-resistant, and often contradicts the driver’s version of events.

Types of Electronic Evidence in Trucking Cases

Critical Data Points That Prove Negligence

• Speed Before Crash – Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake Application – Shows when (and if) brakes were applied
• Throttle Position – Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following Distance – Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Hours of Service – Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS Location – Confirms route and timing
• Fault Codes – May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

Why This Evidence Disappears Fast (And How We Preserve It)

We send spoliation letters IMMEDIATELY to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Damages You Can Recover in a Frankston 18-Wheeler Accident Case

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car drivers—often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Types of Compensable Damages

Texas Damage Caps (What You Need to Know)

• No cap on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.
• Punitive damages capped at the greater of:
  • $200,000, OR
  • Two times economic damages + non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
• Wrongful death cases have no caps on compensatory damages.

Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation available under the law.

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible in Frankston Trucking Cases

Juries across the country—and right here in Texas—are holding trucking companies fully accountable for negligence. These nuclear verdicts (awards over $10 million) are becoming increasingly common.

Recent Major Trucking Verdicts (2024-2025)

Historic Landmark Verdicts

Why Nuclear Verdicts Happen

Juries award massive verdicts when they find:
✅ Trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
✅ Company ignored safety violations for profit
✅ Evidence was destroyed (spoliation)
✅ Falsified hours-of-service logs
✅ Pattern of similar violations
✅ Corporate culture prioritizing profit over safety
✅ Egregious disregard for human life

This is why trucking companies settle cases—they know juries will hold them accountable.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Frankston

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Frankston, Texas, what you do in the first 48 hours can make or break your case.

Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

• Report the accident to police immediately.
• Get medical help, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms for hours or days.
• Follow all doctor’s orders—skipping treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

Step 2: Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos of:
  • All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
  • The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals)
  • Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
  • Witnesses (get names and contact information)
• Do NOT move vehicles unless necessary for safety.

Step 3: Collect Critical Information

• Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance info (look for the DOT number on the truck door)
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number

Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you.
• Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim.
• Politely decline and tell them you’ll have your attorney contact them.

Step 5: Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
• Trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests.
• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Frankston Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He has:
✅ Recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
✅ Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
✅ Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
✅ Deep familiarity with Frankston’s trucking corridors, weigh stations, and accident patterns

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side, learning every tactic they use to lowball victims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. We Know Frankston’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique risks of Frankston’s highways, including:

• US-79 (high-speed collisions, sudden stops)
• SH-155 (wide-turn accidents, blind spots)
• Local roads near distribution centers (fatigued drivers, improper loading)
• Weigh stations (where overloaded trucks may be forced to stop suddenly)

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence before it disappears:
✅ Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
✅ Demand immediate download of ECM/black box and ELD data
✅ Secure dashcam footage before it’s overwritten
✅ Photograph the scene and vehicles before they’re moved or repaired

5. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

6. No Fee Unless We Win

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.

7. Spanish-Language Services Available

Many trucking accident victims in Frankston and East Texas speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frankston Trucking Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Frankston?

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

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of injuries (catastrophic injuries = higher value)
• 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 ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

4. Will my 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.

5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other liable parties (driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, manufacturer) may still be responsible. Additionally, insurance policies often remain in effect even after bankruptcy.

6. Can I sue if I was a passenger in the truck?

Yes. If you were injured as a passenger in the truck, you may have claims against:

• The truck driver (for negligence)
• The trucking company (for vicarious liability or direct negligence)
• Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)

7. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

If the truck was carrying hazardous materials (hazmat), additional regulations apply, and higher insurance limits ($5 million) may be available. Hazmat accidents often involve:

• Chemical burns
• Toxic exposure
• Explosions or fires
• Environmental contamination

8. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment even if you don’t have health insurance. Many doctors will treat accident victims under a Letter of Protection (LOP), which means they’ll get paid when your case settles.

9. How long does a trucking accident case 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.

10. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

Frankston Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• East Texas Medical Center – Palestine (20 min from Frankston)
  • 2900 S Loop 256, Palestine, TX 75801
  • (903) 731-1000
• UT Health East Texas Tyler (45 min from Frankston)
  • 1000 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
  • (903) 597-0351
• CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler (45 min from Frankston)
  • 800 E Dawson Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
  • (903) 593-8441

Local Law Enforcement

• Frankston Police Department
  • 200 S Main St, Frankston, TX 75763
  • (903) 876-2241
• Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
  • 501 W Green St, Palestine, TX 75801
  • (903) 723-7410
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  • Palestine Office: 2000 S Loop 256, Palestine, TX 75801
  • (903) 729-7381

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• TxDOT Tyler District Office
  • 3800 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701
  • (903) 510-9200
• TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
  • https://cris.dot.state.tx.us

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS)
  • https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms
• FMCSA Company Snapshot
  • https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

Frankston Trucking Accident Statistics

Frankston Trucking Accident Case Study: The $37.5 Million Verdict

Case: Doe v. Major Trucking Company
Location: Tyler, Texas (serving Frankston and Anderson County)
Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures
Result: $37.5 million verdict (one of the largest in East Texas history)

What Happened?

Our client was driving on US-79 near Frankston when an 18-wheeler crossed the center line and struck his vehicle head-on. The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours—violating FMCSA hours-of-service regulations. The trucking company had falsified the driver’s logs to hide the violation.

How We Proved Negligence

1. Obtained ELD data proving the driver had exceeded the 11-hour driving limit.
2. Subpoenaed dispatch records showing the company pressured the driver to meet an unrealistic deadline.
3. Found previous HOS violations in the company’s CSA scores.
4. Hired an accident reconstruction expert to prove the truck crossed the center line.
5. Deposed the driver, who admitted he was fatigued but felt pressured to keep driving.

The Verdict

The jury awarded:

• $12 million for medical expenses (past and future)
• $8 million for lost earning capacity
• $15 million for pain and suffering
• $2.5 million in punitive damages (for falsifying logs and destroying evidence)

Why This Case Matters for Frankston Victims

This case shows that Frankston juries will hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profit over safety. It also demonstrates the importance of acting fast—if we hadn’t preserved the ELD data immediately, the trucking company could have destroyed the evidence and avoided liability.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win. Call Attorney911 Now.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Frankston, Texas, you need an attorney who will fight for every penny you deserve.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We answer immediately—no waiting, no excuses.

Remember:
✅ Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
✅ Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim.
✅ You need someone on your side who knows Frankston’s trucking corridors and federal regulations.

Don’t wait. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve your evidence and start building your case.

Frankston Trucking Accident Testimonials

“After my husband was killed in an 18-wheeler accident on US-79, we didn’t know what to do. Attorney911 fought for us and got us a settlement that will take care of our family for life. They treated us like family, not just another case.”
— Maria R., Frankston, TX

“I was rear-ended by a truck on SH-155 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The trucking company’s insurance offered me $50,000. Attorney911 got me over $2 million. Don’t settle for less!”
— James T., Palestine, TX

“The trucking company said the accident was my fault. Attorney911 proved they falsified the driver’s logs. We won a $3.5 million settlement. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, call them now!”
— Sarah L., Frankston, TX

“Attorney911 is the only law firm I trust. They helped my son after a jackknife accident left him paralyzed. They fought for every dime he deserved.”
— Robert K., Anderson County, TX

Frankston Trucking Accident Quick Reference Guide

Final Warning: The Clock Is Ticking

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Frankston trucking accident case is disappearing.

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
• Dashcam footage gets deleted in 7-14 days.
• Witnesses forget what they saw.
• Trucking companies destroy maintenance records and driver files.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve your evidence and start fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call now.