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

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Zavalla, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create catastrophic consequences when accidents occur on Zavalla’s highways and rural roads. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Texas, and we understand the unique challenges Zavalla residents face after these devastating crashes.

Why Zavalla Trucking Accidents Are Different

Zavalla sits at the crossroads of several critical transportation corridors that serve Angelina County and the broader East Texas region. The trucking routes that pass through our community present unique risks:

• US Highway 69 – A major north-south corridor connecting Beaumont to Lufkin, carrying heavy commercial traffic including timber, oilfield equipment, and manufactured goods
• State Highway 63 – Running east-west through Zavalla, this route sees significant logging truck traffic from the dense pine forests of East Texas
• Farm-to-Market Roads – Including FM 2803 and FM 324, these rural roads often have narrow lanes and limited shoulders that challenge even experienced truck drivers
• Local distribution routes – Serving Zavalla’s businesses and agricultural operations, including timber processing facilities and oilfield service companies

The mix of long-haul truckers unfamiliar with local roads and local drivers who may not be accustomed to sharing the road with massive commercial vehicles creates a dangerous environment. When accidents happen in Zavalla, they often occur in areas with limited emergency response resources, making immediate medical attention and evidence preservation even more critical.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Zavalla

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout East Texas has shown us that Zavalla sees several accident types with alarming frequency:

Jackknife Accidents on US-69

The long straight stretches of US-69 through Zavalla can lull drivers into a false sense of security. When sudden braking occurs – whether due to wildlife crossing, debris in the road, or changing traffic patterns – truck drivers may brake too hard, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. These accidents often block all lanes of traffic and can involve multiple vehicles.

Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Zavalla’s rural intersections, particularly where FM roads meet US-69 or SH-63, are hotspots for underride accidents. When a truck turns or stops suddenly, smaller vehicles can slide underneath the trailer, often with catastrophic results. The height difference between passenger vehicles and trailers means these accidents frequently result in decapitation or severe head trauma.

Rollover Accidents on FM Roads

The narrow, winding farm-to-market roads that crisscross Zavalla’s timber country are particularly dangerous for top-heavy 18-wheelers. When drivers take curves too fast or encounter soft shoulders, rollovers occur with devastating frequency. These accidents often spill cargo across the roadway, creating additional hazards for other motorists.

Rear-End Collisions on US-69

The high speeds and frequent stops along US-69 create perfect conditions for rear-end collisions. When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds fails to stop in time, the results are often fatal. These accidents are particularly common near weigh stations and truck stops where traffic patterns change suddenly.

Wide Turn Accidents in Zavalla’s Business District

Trucks making deliveries to Zavalla’s local businesses often need to make wide turns to navigate our small-town streets. When drivers fail to properly signal or check their blind spots, vehicles attempting to pass on the right can be crushed between the truck and the curb.

Blind Spot Accidents on Rural Highways

The extensive blind spots (or “No-Zones”) around 18-wheelers make lane changes particularly dangerous on Zavalla’s two-lane highways. Many local drivers aren’t familiar with these danger zones and may linger in areas the truck driver cannot see.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Zavalla’s hot summers and rough road surfaces take a toll on commercial tires. Blowouts on US-69 or SH-63 can cause drivers to lose control, often with catastrophic results. The debris from these blowouts can also strike other vehicles, creating secondary accidents.

Brake Failure on Long Descents

While Zavalla isn’t known for mountainous terrain, the gradual but long descents on some of our highways can cause brake systems to overheat and fail. When this happens, runaway trucks become uncontrollable hazards to everyone on the road.

Cargo Spill Accidents

The timber industry that drives much of Zavalla’s economy means we see more than our share of cargo spill accidents. Improperly secured logs can fall from trailers, creating deadly obstacles on the roadway. In some cases, entire loads shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and crash.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Zavalla Trucking Accidents

The physics of a collision between an 80,000-pound truck and a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle means catastrophic injuries are the norm, not the exception. In our years handling Zavalla trucking cases, we’ve seen:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent forces involved in trucking accidents frequently cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even with airbags and seatbelts, the sheer mass of a commercial truck creates forces that can cause:

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Moderate to severe TBI with extended unconsciousness
• Penetrating head injuries from flying debris
• Diffuse axonal injuries from rapid acceleration/deceleration

TBI symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why we always advise Zavalla residents to seek medical attention after any truck accident, even if they feel “fine” at the scene. The long-term consequences can include permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the need for lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The crushing forces in a trucking accident can damage the spinal cord, often resulting in:

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

Zavalla residents who suffer spinal cord injuries face not only the physical challenges but also the need to modify their homes and vehicles to accommodate their new reality. The lifetime costs of these injuries can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

When vehicles are crushed in trucking accidents, limbs may be severed at the scene or require surgical amputation later. Common amputations we see include:

• Leg amputations from underride collisions
• Arm amputations from crushing injuries
• Finger amputations from airbag deployment
• Multiple limb amputations in severe crashes

The psychological trauma of amputation is often as devastating as the physical injury. Many Zavalla residents struggle with phantom limb pain, depression, and the challenges of adapting to prosthetic devices.

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents in Zavalla often result in fires when:

• Fuel tanks rupture
• Hazardous materials spill and ignite
• Electrical systems short circuit
• Cargo catches fire

Burn injuries require extensive treatment including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. The scarring from these injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating.

Internal Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma from a trucking accident can cause:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or punctures
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms but can quickly become life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident claims a life in Zavalla, the impact on the family is immeasurable. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for:

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

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Zavalla Trucking Accident?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying ALL potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. In Zavalla cases, we investigate:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Improper lane changes or wide turns

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

• Respondeat Superior – Employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment
• Direct Negligence – The company may be directly 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 hours of service)

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers 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
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

• Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

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

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

The Critical Evidence in Your Zavalla Trucking Case

Building a strong trucking accident case requires collecting and preserving evidence before it disappears. In Zavalla cases, we immediately pursue:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten within 30 days.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data – Proves hours of service compliance or violations. Required to be retained for 6 months but often deleted sooner.
• GPS/Telematics Data – Shows the truck’s location, speed, and route history.
• Dashcam Footage – Forward-facing and sometimes cab-facing cameras that record the accident. Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Dispatch Records – Communications between the driver and company about routes and deadlines.

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File – Contains employment application, background check, medical certification, and training records.
• Hours of Service Records – Both ELD data and any paper logs showing driving time and rest periods.
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results – Pre-employment and random testing results.
• Cell Phone Records – To prove distracted driving.
• Previous Accident/Violation History – Shows patterns of unsafe driving.

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and Repair Records – Show whether the truck was properly maintained.
• Inspection Reports – Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspection records.
• Out-of-Service Orders – Previous violations that should have been repaired.
• Tire Records – Purchase and replacement history.
• Brake Inspection and Adjustment Records – Critical for proving brake failure cases.

Company Records

• Safety Policies and Procedures – Shows whether the company followed its own rules.
• Training Records – Demonstrates whether drivers received proper safety training.
• Supervision Records – Shows whether the company monitored driver performance.
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) Scores – FMCSA safety rating showing pattern of violations.
• Previous Accident History – Demonstrates whether the company had notice of safety problems.

Physical Evidence

• The Truck and Trailer Themselves – Critical for accident reconstruction.
• Failed or Damaged Components – Such as brakes, tires, or steering parts.
• Cargo and Securement Devices – To prove cargo shift or spill cases.
• Photographs of the Scene – Showing skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions.
• Surveillance Video – From nearby businesses or traffic cameras.

How We Prove Negligence in Zavalla Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove that someone’s negligence caused your injuries. In Zavalla trucking cases, we establish negligence by proving violations of federal trucking regulations:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. The FMCSA limits how long drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits
• 34-hour restart required after reaching weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules, their reaction times slow and their judgment becomes impaired – similar to being drunk. ELD data provides objective proof of these violations.

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must ensure drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. We investigate:

• Was the driver at least 21 years old?
• Could the driver read and speak English sufficiently?
• Did the driver have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)?
• Was the driver medically qualified under § 391.41?
• Did the company conduct proper background checks?
• Did the company verify previous employment?

Missing or incomplete driver qualification files prove negligent hiring.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Drivers must inspect their vehicles before every trip, and companies must maintain them in safe condition. We investigate:

• Were pre-trip inspections conducted?
• Were known defects reported and repaired?
• Were annual inspections performed?
• Were brake systems properly maintained?
• Were tires in safe condition?

Maintenance records often reveal patterns of deferred maintenance that contributed to the accident.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spilling onto the roadway. We investigate:

• Were the proper number of tiedowns used?
• Were tiedowns of sufficient strength?
• Was the cargo properly distributed?
• Were blocking and bracing used as required?
• Was the cargo inspected during transit?

Cargo securement violations are particularly common in Zavalla’s timber industry cases.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 382)

Drivers are prohibited from using alcohol or drugs while operating commercial vehicles. We investigate:

• Was the driver under the influence at the time of the accident?
• Did the company conduct required pre-employment testing?
• Were random tests conducted as required?
• Did the driver refuse testing?

Speeding and Following Too Closely (49 CFR Part 392)

Truck drivers must operate at safe speeds and maintain proper following distances. We investigate:

• Was the driver speeding based on ECM data?
• Was the driver following too closely?
• Did the driver fail to adjust speed for conditions?

The Unique Challenges of Zavalla Trucking Cases

Zavalla residents face several unique challenges when pursuing trucking accident claims:

Limited Local Emergency Resources

Zavalla’s rural location means that when serious accidents occur, emergency response times may be longer than in urban areas. This delay can affect both medical outcomes and evidence preservation. We work with local first responders to ensure all available evidence is documented before it’s lost.

Trucker Unfamiliarity with Local Roads

Many of the truck drivers involved in Zavalla accidents are long-haul drivers unfamiliar with our local roads. They may not know about:

• Sharp curves on FM roads
• Limited shoulders on rural highways
• Height restrictions on local bridges
• Weight limits on county roads
• Local traffic patterns

This unfamiliarity often contributes to accidents, and we use it to establish negligence.

Limited Truck Parking and Rest Areas

The lack of adequate truck parking in the Zavalla area often leads drivers to:

• Park in unsafe locations
• Exceed hours of service limits to reach proper rest areas
• Become fatigued from searching for parking

We investigate whether parking issues contributed to driver fatigue in your case.

Local Industry-Specific Risks

Zavalla’s economy creates unique trucking risks:

• Timber Industry – Log trucks with shifting loads, wide turns, and debris hazards
• Oilfield Services – Heavy equipment transport, hazardous materials, and fatigue from long hours
• Agriculture – Slow-moving farm equipment sharing roads with high-speed truck traffic

We understand these industry-specific risks and how they contribute to accidents.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies know that Zavalla juries are fair but may be less familiar with complex trucking regulations. They often:

• Make lowball settlement offers early
• Try to blame local drivers for accidents
• Claim that rural road conditions make accidents unavoidable
• Pressure victims to accept quick settlements before they understand their rights

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all these tactics and how to counter them.

What to Do Immediately After a Zavalla Trucking Accident

The steps you take in the first 48 hours after a trucking accident can make or break your case:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

   • Even if injuries seem minor, report the accident to police
   • Request an ambulance if anyone is injured
   • Ensure the police create an official accident report

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
   • Visit the emergency room or your doctor within 24 hours
   • Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments

3. Document the Scene

   • Take photographs of:
     • All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
     • Vehicle damage (inside and out)
     • Skid marks and debris patterns
     • Road conditions and traffic signs
     • Your injuries
     • The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
   • Record video of the scene and any witness statements

4. Collect Witness Information

   • Get names and contact information for all witnesses
   • Ask witnesses what they saw
   • Record their statements if possible

5. Get the Truck Driver’s Information

   • Driver’s name and contact information
   • Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
   • Trucking company name and contact information
   • Insurance information
   • Truck and trailer license plate numbers

6. Preserve Evidence

   • Do not wash the clothes you were wearing
   • Do not repair your vehicle until it’s been inspected
   • Keep all medical records and bills
   • Document your symptoms and how they affect your daily life

7. Do NOT Give Statements

   • Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
   • Do not post about the accident on social media
   • Do not discuss fault with anyone at the scene

8. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

   • Critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
   • We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve evidence
   • The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Zavalla Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident in Zavalla, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and local knowledge to take on the trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Here’s why Zavalla residents trust Attorney911:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts 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 Zavalla’s trucking corridors, weigh stations, and accident patterns

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle cases
• How they try to deny legitimate claims
• The claims valuation software they use to lowball victims

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in negotiating with insurance companies and presenting your case to a jury.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for Zavalla and East Texas trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for an amputation case
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Our case results demonstrate our ability to hold trucking companies accountable, even when they try to avoid responsibility.

Local Knowledge and Community Connections

We understand Zavalla because we’re part of the community. We know:

• The local courts and judges
• The unique challenges of rural trucking cases
• The local medical providers and rehabilitation facilities
• The economic realities of East Texas families

This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases that resonate with Zavalla juries.

Comprehensive Resources for Complex Cases

Trucking cases require significant resources to investigate and litigate properly. We have:

• Relationships with top accident reconstruction experts
• Access to medical specialists who can explain your injuries
• Experience working with vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• The financial resources to advance all case costs
• A network of investigators who can gather evidence quickly

Personal Attention and Compassionate Representation

At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. You’re not just a case number to us. We:

• Return your calls and emails promptly
• Keep you informed about your case progress
• Explain complex legal concepts in plain language
• Fight aggressively for your rights
• Stand by you through the entire process

Bilingual Services for Zavalla’s Hispanic Community

Zavalla has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden costs. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

The Attorney911 Process for Zavalla Trucking Cases

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Zavalla trucking accident case, we follow a proven process to maximize your recovery:

1. Free Initial Consultation

• We listen to your story and answer your questions
• We evaluate the strength of your case
• We explain your legal options
• There’s no obligation and no upfront cost

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties within 24-48 hours
• We demand preservation of all electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS, dashcam)
• We secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
• We photograph the scene and vehicles if possible

3. Comprehensive Investigation

• We obtain the police accident report
• We subpoena all relevant records from the trucking company
• We interview witnesses
• We work with accident reconstruction experts
• We analyze all available electronic data

4. Medical Treatment Coordination

• We help you get the medical care you need
• We work with local doctors and specialists
• We document your injuries and treatment
• We calculate your future medical needs

5. Demand Package Preparation

• We compile all evidence of liability
• We document all damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering)
• We prepare a comprehensive demand package for the insurance company

6. Aggressive Negotiation

• We present your demand to the insurance company
• We negotiate from a position of strength
• We reject lowball offers
• We prepare for trial if necessary

7. Litigation and Trial Preparation

• We file a lawsuit if we can’t reach a fair settlement
• We conduct discovery to gather additional evidence
• We take depositions of key witnesses
• We prepare your case for trial

8. Trial or Settlement

• Most cases settle before trial
• We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary
• We present your case to a jury to maximize your recovery

Common Questions About Zavalla Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Zavalla, 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 an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

How much is my Zavalla trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’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 in trucking cases.

Who can I sue after a Zavalla 18-wheeler accident?

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.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Zavalla?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 if my loved one was killed in a Zavalla trucking accident?

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 Zavalla 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.

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Zavalla, Texas, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing as you read this. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Zavalla trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence in your case.

Remember – there’s no fee unless we win. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling us today.

“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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.