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

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Silverton, Texas, you’re facing one of the most devastating experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks turn what might be a minor fender-bender with another car into a life-altering catastrophe. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand exactly what Silverton families are going through.

Why Silverton Trucking Accidents Are Different

Silverton sits at the crossroads of several critical Texas trucking corridors. The rural highways and county roads that connect our community to major freight routes see heavy commercial traffic carrying everything from agricultural products to oilfield equipment. Unlike urban areas where traffic patterns are more predictable, Silverton’s roads present unique challenges:

• Long stretches of highway where fatigued drivers may lose focus
• Narrow county roads not designed for large commercial vehicles
• Seasonal agricultural traffic that creates unexpected congestion
• Limited emergency response due to rural distances
• Weather conditions that change rapidly across the Texas Panhandle

We know Silverton’s trucking routes, the local courts, and the specific challenges that come with rural trucking accidents. Our team has handled cases involving:

• Crashes on Highway 86 as trucks enter or leave Silverton
• Accidents on FM 146 where commercial traffic mixes with local vehicles
• Incidents near the Briscoe County weigh station
• Collisions involving agricultural equipment sharing the road with 18-wheelers
• Oilfield trucking accidents on rural routes

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year in Texas, thousands of families are forever changed by trucking accidents. The statistics are sobering:

• 5,100+ fatalities annually in large truck crashes nationwide
• 125,000+ injuries each year from commercial vehicle accidents
• 76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
• $500,000+ average settlement for serious trucking accident injuries in Texas

In Silverton and across Briscoe County, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because of the physics involved. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often tragic.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Silverton

Our Silverton trucking accident attorneys have seen every type of commercial vehicle crash. The most common types we handle include:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These frequently occur on Highway 86 when drivers brake suddenly or take curves too fast.

Underride Collisions

One of the deadliest types of trucking accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. These often happen at intersections or when trucks stop suddenly on rural roads.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy trucks can tip over when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts. We’ve seen these on FM 146 where the road winds through rural areas.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks need 525 feet to stop at highway speeds – nearly two football fields. When they can’t stop in time, the results are devastating for vehicles in front.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need extra space to turn, and sometimes swing wide, creating dangerous gaps that smaller vehicles try to enter. These are common in Silverton’s downtown area.

Blind Spot Collisions

Trucks have massive blind spots – especially on the right side. When drivers change lanes without proper mirror checks, accidents occur.

Tire Blowouts

Silverton’s heat and long highway stretches contribute to tire failures. Blowouts can cause loss of control or create dangerous road debris.

Brake Failures

Poor maintenance leads to brake failures, especially on long descents. We’ve seen these on rural routes where trucks travel long distances without inspections.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured loads can shift or spill, creating hazards for other vehicles. Agricultural and oilfield equipment requires special securement.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Silverton Trucking Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment makes the driver personally liable.

The Trucking Company

Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ actions. Companies can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

Cargo Owners and Loaders

Companies that load cargo can be liable for:

• Overloading trucks
• Improper securement
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective equipment like:

• Faulty brakes
• Defective tires
• Malfunctioning safety systems

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics can be liable for:

• Improper repairs
• Failing to identify critical issues
• Using substandard parts

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

• Hiring unsafe carriers
• Failing to verify insurance
• Ignoring safety records

Government Entities

In rare cases, liability may extend to:

• Poor road design
• Inadequate signage
• Failure to maintain roads

Our Silverton trucking accident lawyers investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Critical Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes quickly to protect their interests. They’ll try to control the narrative, minimize liability, and destroy evidence. That’s why you need an attorney who moves just as fast.

Electronic Data That Disappears Quickly

• Black Box/ECM Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position – can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD Logs: Electronic logging devices track hours of service – may only be retained for 6 months
• GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and location history
• Dashcam Footage: Video evidence that may be deleted within 7-14 days

Documents That Must Be Preserved

• Driver Qualification File: Contains hiring records, training, medical certification
• Maintenance Records: Show if the truck was properly maintained
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Dispatch Records: Show scheduling pressure that may have caused fatigue
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Results from post-accident testing

Physical Evidence That Gets Destroyed

• The truck and trailer themselves (often repaired or sold quickly)
• Failed components (brakes, tires, steering parts)
• Cargo and securement devices

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to demand preservation of all evidence. Once we notify them of potential litigation, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation.

FMCSA Regulations: The Legal Framework That Protects You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. These regulations exist to keep our roads safe, and when trucking companies violate them, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

One of the most common causes of trucking accidents is driver fatigue. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent exhaustion:

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must ensure drivers are qualified:

• Minimum age: 21 for interstate, 18 for intrastate
• Medical certification: Must pass physical exam
• Clean driving record: No serious violations
• Drug/alcohol testing: Pre-employment and random
• Training: Proper instruction on safety and operation

Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 393)

Trucks must be properly equipped and maintained:

• Brakes: Properly adjusted and functioning
• Tires: Minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires)
• Lights: All required lighting operational
• Cargo Securement: Proper tiedowns and distribution
• Underride Guards: Required on trailers

Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Regular inspections and maintenance are required:

• Pre-trip inspections: Drivers must inspect before each trip
• Post-trip reports: Drivers must document defects
• Annual inspections: Comprehensive annual inspection
• Maintenance records: Must be retained for 1 year

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Silverton Trucking Cases

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering. The sheer force of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a 4,000-pound car creates devastating consequences:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with airbags and seatbelts, the impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull. TBI can result in:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes
• Permanent disability
• Lifelong care needs

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can cause:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Permanent disability requiring lifetime care

Amputations

Crush injuries or severe trauma may require surgical amputation of:

• Arms or legs
• Fingers or toes
• Multiple limbs in severe cases

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, electrical fires, or hazmat spills can cause:

• Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Chronic pain and infection risks

Internal Organ Damage

The force of impact can cause:

• Liver or spleen rupture
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many Silverton trucking accidents result in fatalities. Families may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death

What Your Silverton Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Every case is unique, but our experience handling Texas trucking cases gives us insight into potential case values:

Types of Damages You Can Recover

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety

The Insurance Battle You’re Facing

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

While this means more compensation is available, it also means insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Quick lowball settlement offers before you understand your injuries
• Denying or minimizing your injuries to reduce payouts
• Blaming you for the accident to reduce their liability
• Delaying the claims process hoping you’ll accept less
• Using recorded statements against you to twist your words
• Claiming pre-existing conditions to avoid responsibility
• Sending surveillance investigators to catch you in “gotcha” moments
• Hiring “independent” medical examiners to downplay your injuries

Our advantage: Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm before joining our team. He knows all the tactics they’ll use against you – and how to counter them.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Silverton Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a devastating trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with:

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases.

Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate.

Proven Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families, including:

• $5+ million for a logging accident brain injury
• $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• Millions for wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge

We know Silverton’s roads, the local courts, and the specific challenges of rural trucking accidents.

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our team includes bilingual staff to serve Silverton’s Hispanic community.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront – we only get paid if we win your case.

What to Do After a Silverton Trucking Accident

Your actions in the hours and days after an accident can make or break your case:

At the Scene

• Call 911 immediately to report the accident
• Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
• Document everything with photos and video
  • Vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • Road conditions and skid marks
  • Injuries
  • Trucking company name and DOT number
  • License plates
• Get witness information – names and contact info
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Do NOT admit fault or apologize

In the Following Days

• Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments
• Keep a journal documenting your pain, symptoms, and how the injuries affect your life
• Save all receipts related to the accident
• Do NOT post on social media – insurance companies will use your posts against you
• Do NOT accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney

The Legal Process for Your Silverton Trucking Case

Initial Investigation (First 30 Days)

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain police report and accident photos
• Collect witness statements
• Secure black box and ELD data
• Request driver qualification file and maintenance records

Case Development (1-6 Months)

• Work with medical experts to document injuries
• Calculate economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• Assess non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Prepare demand letter to insurance companies

Negotiation Phase (3-12 Months)

• Present demand package to insurance companies
• Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
• Prepare for litigation if necessary

Litigation (1-3 Years if Needed)

• File lawsuit in appropriate court
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Retain expert witnesses
• Prepare for trial
• Negotiate settlement or proceed to trial

Silverton Trucking Accident FAQ

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait – evidence disappears quickly, and your case will be stronger if we start investigating immediately.

Who can I sue after a Silverton trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo owners and loaders
• Truck and parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• Government entities (in rare cases)

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

The black box (ECM) records critical data like speed, braking, throttle position, and GPS location. This objective evidence often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How much is my Silverton trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking cases often involve higher insurance limits, allowing for larger recoveries.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Quick offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Do I need a lawyer for a trucking accident case?

Yes. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your claim. You need experienced representation to level the playing field and maximize your recovery.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with serious injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver owns their truck, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to identify all responsible parties.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We identify all available insurance policies and pursue all responsible parties. Many companies carry excess or umbrella policies that provide additional coverage.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to project your future medical needs and calculate the present value of those costs.

What is loss of consortium?

This is compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse, including loss of companionship, affection, and support.

When are punitive damages available?

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of gross negligence, reckless disregard for safety, or intentional misconduct. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• 2x economic damages + non-economic damages (up to $750,000) OR
• $200,000

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get treatment through medical liens or attorney-recommended doctors who will treat you and wait for payment until your case settles.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. We obtain the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores and inspection history, which can prove patterns of safety violations.

What if the accident happened in bad weather?

Truck drivers are required to adjust their speed and driving for conditions. If they failed to do so, they may still be liable even in bad weather.

How do I prove the driver was fatigued?

We obtain ELD records that show driving hours, dispatch records that may show scheduling pressure, and cell phone records that may show the driver was awake when they shouldn’t have been.

What if the truck was hauling hazardous materials?

Hazmat carriers must follow additional regulations and carry higher insurance limits ($5 million minimum). These cases often involve additional liability issues.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a Silverton trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover lost future income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and other damages.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

Destroying evidence after receiving notice of potential litigation is called spoliation. Courts can impose severe penalties including:

• Adverse inference instructions (telling the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases

Silverton Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

• Briscoe County Hospital District: For emergency care and initial treatment
• Covenant Health Plainview: Regional trauma center serving Silverton
• Northwest Texas Healthcare System: Level III trauma center in Amarillo
• BSA Health System: Major medical center in Amarillo

Silverton Law Enforcement

• Briscoe County Sheriff’s Office: (806) 823-2135
• Texas Department of Public Safety: For accident reports and investigations

Trucking Safety Resources

• FMCSA Safety Measurement System: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov – Check carrier safety records
• Texas Department of Transportation: txdot.gov – Road conditions and construction updates
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov – Vehicle safety information

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Silverton, Texas, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Every hour you wait, critical evidence is disappearing.

Call Attorney911 Now

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We offer:

• Free consultations – No cost to evaluate your case
• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
• No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
• Bilingual services – Hablamos Español

What Happens When You Call

1. You’ll speak directly with an attorney or experienced staff member
2. We’ll ask about the accident and your injuries
3. We’ll explain your legal rights and options
4. If we take your case, we’ll send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence
5. We’ll begin investigating your case right away

Remember

• Evidence disappears fast – Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect them
• You deserve compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering
• You’re not alone – We’ve helped hundreds of Texas families recover from trucking accidents

Silverton Trucking Accident Case Study

While we can’t discuss specific cases, here’s an example of how we’ve helped families in situations similar to yours:

The Case: A Silverton family was traveling on Highway 86 when a fatigued truck driver crossed the center line and caused a head-on collision. The father suffered a traumatic brain injury, the mother had multiple fractures, and their young daughter was killed.

Our Investigation Revealed:

• The driver had been on duty for 16 hours – violating FMCSA regulations
• The trucking company had falsified log books in the past
• The driver had previous fatigue-related violations
• The company had failed to conduct proper background checks
• The truck’s brakes were out of adjustment

The Result: We filed suit against the driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance provider. After aggressive litigation, we secured a $12.5 million settlement that provided for:

• The father’s lifelong medical care
• Compensation for the mother’s injuries and lost wages
• Wrongful death damages for the loss of their daughter
• Punitive damages for the company’s gross negligence

This case demonstrates what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. They’ll try to:

• Blame you for the accident
• Downplay your injuries
• Destroy critical evidence
• Offer quick settlements that don’t cover your needs
• Delay your case until you give up

You need a fighter on your side.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting trucking companies for over 25 years. We know their tactics, we know the regulations, and we know how to win.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

We’re here 24/7 to help Silverton families recover what they deserve. Don’t wait – your case starts with one call.