18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Sandy Point, Texas

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Sandy Point’s highways, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of Brazoria County trucking cases. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re here to help Sandy Point families recover the compensation they deserve.

Why Sandy Point Trucking Accidents Are Different

Sandy Point sits at a critical juncture of Texas’s freight corridors. The intersection of Highway 288 and FM 521 creates a high-risk zone where local traffic mixes with heavy commercial vehicles. The nearby Port of Freeport and industrial facilities in Freeport and Lake Jackson generate significant truck traffic through our community. These factors combine to create dangerous conditions for local drivers:

Heavy truck traffic from port operations and industrial facilities
Mix of local drivers and long-haul truckers unfamiliar with our roads
Challenging intersections like Highway 288/FM 521 junction
Fatigued drivers from long hauls to and from the port
Hazardous material shipments from chemical plants

We understand Sandy Point’s specific trucking risks because we’ve handled cases throughout Brazoria County and the surrounding Gulf Coast region.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Sandy Point

Every year, thousands of trucking accidents occur on Texas highways, many right here in Brazoria County. The most common causes we see in Sandy Point include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a maximum 14-hour on-duty window. However, we frequently find that trucking companies pressure drivers to violate these rules to meet delivery deadlines. In Sandy Point, we’ve seen cases where drivers coming from the Port of Houston or Freeport continue driving beyond legal limits to reach their destinations.

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395.3 – Maximum driving time for property-carrying drivers

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

The industrial nature of our area means many trucks carry specialized cargo. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills. We’ve handled cases involving:

Overloaded flatbeds from Freeport’s industrial facilities
Improperly secured pipe loads from oilfield operations
Liquid cargo sloshing in tankers causing instability
Hazardous material spills from chemical shipments

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement requirements

Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Sandy Point, we often see:

Worn brake pads not replaced
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Deferred maintenance to save costs

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers still engage in dangerous behaviors:

Cell phone use while driving (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
Texting while driving (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.80)
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Eating, reading, or using dispatch devices while driving

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The long stretches of Highway 288 leading to and from Sandy Point can tempt drivers to speed. However, 18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles:

Fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop
Passenger car at 65 mph needs about 300 feet to stop
Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Sandy Point

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on Highway 288 where high speeds combine with sudden traffic slowdowns.

Common Causes in Sandy Point:

Sudden braking on wet roads near the San Bernard River crossing
Speeding on curves approaching FM 521 intersection
Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to swinging
Improperly loaded cargo shifting during transit

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the most deadly trucking accidents. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler, the trailer can sheer off the top of the passenger vehicle.

Sandy Point-Specific Risks:

Poor lighting at night on rural stretches of FM 521
Sudden stops by trucks entering Highway 288 from side roads
Wide right turns by trucks at local intersections
Missing or inadequate underride guards

FMCSA Requirement: 49 CFR § 393.86 – Rear impact guards

Rollovers

Rollover accidents are especially common with tanker trucks and those carrying heavy or top-heavy loads. Sandy Point’s proximity to chemical plants and oilfield operations means we see many tanker rollovers.

Common Causes in Our Area:

Speeding on curves approaching the San Bernard River bridge
Taking the FM 521 exit too fast
Liquid cargo sloshing in tankers
Improperly secured loads from industrial facilities

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions are particularly common on Highway 288 where traffic patterns change rapidly.

Sandy Point-Specific Factors:

Sudden slowdowns near the Highway 288/FM 521 intersection
Congestion from port-related traffic
Following too closely by trucks unfamiliar with local traffic patterns
Brake failures on long descents

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have significant blind spots, or “No-Zones,” where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The right side blind spot is particularly large and dangerous.

Common Locations in Sandy Point:

Lane changes on Highway 288
Right turns at local intersections
Merging onto Highway 288 from FM 521
Passing maneuvers on two-lane roads

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need to swing wide to make right turns, creating a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter. These “squeeze play” accidents are common at Sandy Point intersections.

High-Risk Locations:

Highway 288 and FM 521 intersection
Local business entrances
Residential intersections
Truck stops and rest areas

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures can cause sudden loss of control. Sandy Point’s industrial traffic means we see many tire blowouts from heavy loads and long hauls.

Common Causes:

Underinflated tires causing overheating
Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
Worn or aging tires not replaced
Road debris punctures
Heat buildup on long hauls

Catastrophic Injuries from Sandy Point Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm rather than the exception in Sandy Point:

Size and Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 lbs – 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car
Impact Force: An 80,000 lb truck at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car
Stopping Distance: Trucks need nearly two football fields to stop at highway speeds

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In Sandy Point trucking accidents, we frequently see:

Mild TBI (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Care Costs:

Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or when injuries are so severe that surgical amputation is required.

Common in Sandy Point Accidents:

Crushing injuries from truck impact
Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
Severe burns requiring surgical removal
Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Occupational therapy for daily living skills
Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur in Sandy Point trucking accidents from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazardous material cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
Friction burns from road contact
Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

First Degree: Epidermis only – minor, heals without scarring
Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis – may scar, may need grafting
Third Degree: Full thickness – requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone – multiple surgeries, possible amputation

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries in Sandy Point trucking accidents include:

Liver laceration or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Texas law allows surviving family members to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:

Surviving spouse
Children (minor and adult)
Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
Estate representative

Damages Available:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Who Can Be Held Liable in Sandy Point Trucking Accidents?

18-wheeler accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents because multiple parties can be responsible for your injuries. Unlike a simple car crash where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve a web of companies and individuals who all contributed to the dangerous conditions that caused the crash.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for their negligent conduct.

Bases for Driver Liability:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violation of traffic laws
Failure to yield, improper lane changes, running red lights

Evidence We Pursue:

Driver’s driving record and history
ELD data showing hours of service
Drug and alcohol test results
Cell phone records
Previous accident history
Training records

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets (highest insurance) and the most responsibility for safety.

Bases for Trucking Company Liability:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
Acting within the scope of employment
Performing job duties when accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

Evidence We Pursue:

Driver Qualification File (or lack thereof)
Hiring policies and background check procedures
Training records and curricula
Supervision and monitoring practices
Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
Safety culture documentation
Previous accident/violation history
CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

Insurance Implications:
Trucking companies carry MUCH higher insurance limits than individual drivers – often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more – making them the primary recovery target.

Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable.

Bases for Shipper Liability:

Provided improper loading instructions
Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Required overweight loading
Pressured carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
Misrepresented cargo weight or characteristics

Evidence We Pursue:

Shipping contracts and bills of lading
Loading instructions provided
Hazmat disclosure documentation
Weight certification records

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for improper securement.

Bases for Loading Company Liability:

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

Evidence We Pursue:

Loading company securement procedures
Loader training records
Securement equipment used
Weight distribution documentation

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for defects.

Bases for Manufacturer Liability:

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)

Evidence We Pursue:

Recall notices and technical service bulletins
Similar defect complaints (NHTSA database)
Design specifications and testing records
Component failure analysis

Parts Manufacturer

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

Bases for Parts Liability:

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

Evidence We Pursue:

Failed component for expert analysis
Recall history for specific parts
Similar failure patterns
Manufacturing and quality control records

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs.

Bases for Maintenance Company Liability:

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

Evidence We Pursue:

Maintenance work orders
Mechanic qualifications and training
Parts used in repairs
Inspection reports and recommendations

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection.

Bases for Broker Liability:

Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Selecting 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

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

Bases for Owner Liability:

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

Evidence We Pursue:

Lease agreements
Maintenance responsibility allocations
Owner’s knowledge of driver history

Government Entity

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

Bases for Government Liability:

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

Special Considerations:

Sovereign immunity limits government liability
Strict notice requirements and short deadlines
Must prove actual notice of dangerous condition in many cases

Evidence We Pursue:

Road design specifications
Maintenance records
Prior accident history at location
Citizen complaints about condition

Our Investigation Process for Sandy Point Trucking Cases

Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

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

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

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 for catastrophic injuries
FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

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)

Critical Evidence in Sandy Point Trucking Cases

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Engine RPM
Cruise control status
Fault codes revealing known mechanical issues

ELD Data:

Driver hours of service
Duty status changes
GPS location history
Driving time violations

Cell Phone Records:

Text messages and calls at time of accident
Distraction evidence

GPS/Telematics:

Real-time location history
Speed patterns
Route deviations

Dashcam Footage:

Forward-facing video of accident
Some record cab interior

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File:

Employment application
Background check
Driving record
Medical certification
Drug test results
Training records

Hours of Service Records:

ELD logs
Paper logs (if applicable)
Dispatch records showing schedule pressure

Drug and Alcohol Tests:

Pre-employment test results
Random test results
Post-accident test results

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records:

Repair history
Inspection reports
Brake adjustment records
Tire replacement history

Inspection Reports:

Pre-trip inspections
Post-trip reports
Annual inspections
Roadside inspection history

Cargo Documentation:

Bill of lading
Cargo manifest
Securement documentation
Weight certificates

Company Records

Safety Records:

CSA scores
Out-of-service history
Accident register
Safety rating

Training Records:

Driver training curricula
Safety meeting records
Policy acknowledgments

Dispatch Records:

Trip assignments
Delivery deadlines
Communication logs

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Sandy Point Trucking Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases, we understand the unique challenges of trucking litigation in Brazoria County and throughout Texas.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – a critical advantage for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in settlement negotiations and litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, 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

Local Knowledge of Sandy Point and Brazoria County

We understand Sandy Point’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of trucking cases in our community. Our knowledge of:

Highway 288 and FM 521 traffic patterns
Local industrial facilities and their trucking operations
Brazoria County courts and judges
Local medical providers and treatment options

gives us an advantage in building your case.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. We act fast to protect your rights.

Comprehensive Approach

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. In addition to the truck driver, we pursue claims against:

The trucking company
Cargo owners and shippers
Loading companies
Maintenance providers
Truck and parts manufacturers
Freight brokers
Government entities (when applicable)

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Sandy Point

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Sandy Point, take these steps to protect your rights:

Call 911 and report the accident – Request police and medical assistance
Seek medical attention immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and skid marks
Get truck and driver information – License plate, DOT number, trucking company name, driver’s name and CDL number
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 Attorney911 immediately – Critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases

Common Questions About Sandy Point Trucking Accidents

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

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

Call 911 and report the accident to the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office
Seek medical attention at Angleton Danbury Medical Center or a local emergency room
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information from other drivers or bystanders
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

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. Local hospitals like Angleton Danbury Medical Center 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 in Sandy Point?

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 Sandy Point?

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 an airplane’s black box 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 in Sandy Point trucking cases:

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 Sandy Point?

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 Sandy Point?

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 Sandy Point?

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 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Sandy Point?

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Sandy Point, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Sandy Point trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“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.

Attorney911 – Fighting for Sandy Point families since 1998.