18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Blanket, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are devastated by 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Town of Blanket, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of Brown County roads. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Town of Blanket and throughout Texas for over 25 years.

The Hidden Dangers of Town of Blanket’s Trucking Corridors

Town of Blanket sits at a critical juncture in Brown County’s transportation network. While our community isn’t directly on a major interstate, we’re served by several important trucking routes that connect to larger highways:

• US Highway 67/84: This major east-west corridor runs through Brownwood and Early, just north of Town of Blanket, carrying heavy truck traffic between Abilene, Stephenville, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The stretch between Brownwood and Early is particularly dangerous for truck accidents due to its winding nature and the mix of local and through traffic.

• US Highway 377: Running north-south through Brown County, this highway connects to US 67/84 and carries significant truck traffic serving the region’s agricultural and oilfield industries. The intersection of US 377 and US 67/84 in Brownwood is a known hotspot for truck accidents.

• FM 217: This farm-to-market road serves as a vital connector between Town of Blanket and surrounding communities, often used by local delivery trucks and agricultural vehicles. While less traveled than major highways, FM 217 presents unique challenges with its narrow lanes and rural intersections.

• FM 45: Connecting Town of Blanket to Bangs and Brownwood, this route sees regular truck traffic from local businesses and agricultural operations. The road’s rural nature means limited shoulders and fewer safety features, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

The truck traffic in our area serves several key industries that are vital to Town of Blanket’s economy:

Agricultural Trucking: Brown County is one of Texas’s leading agricultural producers, particularly for cotton, wheat, and cattle. Our local farms and ranches rely on trucking to transport crops, livestock, and equipment. During harvest seasons, truck traffic increases significantly on our county roads.

Oilfield Services: While not in the heart of the Permian Basin, Brown County sits near the eastern edge of oil and gas activity. Trucks hauling drilling equipment, water, and other supplies regularly travel through our area, often on tight schedules that can lead to fatigue-related accidents.

Local Distribution: Many businesses in Town of Blanket and surrounding communities rely on truck deliveries for inventory and supplies. Local delivery trucks from national carriers like FedEx and UPS, as well as regional distributors, are common sights on our roads.

Grain Elevators and Processing: Brownwood is home to several grain elevators and food processing facilities that generate substantial truck traffic. These large vehicles maneuvering in and out of processing facilities create additional accident risks.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Town of Blanket

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. But trucking accidents in Town of Blanket present unique challenges that require specialized legal knowledge:

Rural Road Hazards: Many of our local roads lack the safety features of major highways. Narrow shoulders, limited lighting, and rural intersections create dangerous conditions for trucks and passenger vehicles alike.

Mixed Traffic Patterns: Town of Blanket’s roads see a mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and through truck traffic. This combination creates unpredictable traffic patterns that increase accident risks.

Limited Emergency Response: In rural areas like Town of Blanket, emergency response times can be longer than in urban areas. This delay can worsen injuries and complicate accident investigations.

Agricultural Vehicle Challenges: Slow-moving farm equipment on our roads creates hazards when trucks need to pass or maneuver around them. These situations require special caution that not all truck drivers exercise.

Weather Conditions: Our area experiences a full range of Texas weather – from summer heat that can cause tire blowouts to winter ice that makes roads treacherous for heavy trucks. Truck drivers must adjust their driving to these conditions, but many fail to do so.

Local Industry Knowledge: Understanding the specific trucking patterns in our area – when harvest seasons create peak traffic, which local businesses generate the most truck traffic, and which routes are most dangerous – can be crucial to building your case.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Town of Blanket Truck Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. In our 25 years of handling trucking cases in Town of Blanket, we’ve seen:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The extreme forces involved in truck collisions often cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even “mild” TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Severe TBIs may require lifelong care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) often requires ventilator assistance and 24-hour care. Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) still requires extensive home modifications and lifelong assistance. These injuries can cost $5 million or more over a lifetime.

Amputations: Crushing forces from truck impacts often result in traumatic amputations at the scene. Even when limbs are saved initially, severe damage may require surgical amputation later. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and home modifications create substantial ongoing costs.

Severe Burns: Truck accidents frequently result in fires from ruptured fuel tanks or spilled cargo. Burn injuries require extensive medical treatment, multiple reconstructive surgeries, and often result in permanent disfigurement and disability.

Internal Organ Damage: The massive forces involved in truck collisions often cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other life-threatening internal injuries. These may not be immediately apparent but can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Multiple Fractures: The extreme impact forces can break multiple bones throughout the body. Complex fractures often require surgical intervention with hardware installation, followed by extensive physical therapy.

Wrongful Death: Tragically, many trucking accidents in Town of Blanket result in fatalities. When a loved one is killed by a trucking company’s negligence, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for lost income, loss of companionship, and other damages.

The Trucking Company Playbook – And How We Fight It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company will activate their rapid-response team. Their mission: protect the company’s interests, not yours. Here’s what they’ll do – and how we counter it:

1. Evidence Destruction Protocol

• Trucking Company Action: They’ll attempt to download and potentially alter or destroy black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage.
• Our Response: We send spoliation letters immediately – often within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand preservation of all evidence and create serious consequences if evidence is destroyed.

2. Driver Coaching

• Trucking Company Action: They’ll coach the driver on what to say (and what not to say) to police, witnesses, and insurance investigators.
• Our Response: We interview witnesses immediately before memories fade. We also obtain the driver’s cell phone records to check for distraction at the time of the accident.

3. Lowball Settlement Offers

• Trucking Company Action: They’ll contact you quickly with a settlement offer – often while you’re still in the hospital. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth.
• Our Response: We never let our clients accept early settlement offers. We calculate the full value of your case, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity, before considering any settlement.

4. Blame Shifting

• Trucking Company Action: They’ll try to blame you for the accident, even when their driver was clearly at fault.
• Our Response: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. We gather evidence to minimize your attributed fault.

5. Insurance Company Tactics

• Trucking Company Action: Their insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They’ll ask for recorded statements and use your words against you.
• Our Response: Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters operate. We handle all communications with the insurance company to protect your rights.

The FMCSA Regulations That Protect Town of Blanket Drivers

Every 18-wheeler on our roads must comply with federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are designed to keep you safe – but trucking companies routinely violate them. Here are the most important regulations and how violations create liability:

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations – Preventing Fatigued Driving

49 CFR Part 395 establishes strict limits on how long truck drivers can operate:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limits: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
• 34-Hour Restart: Drivers can reset their weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Why This Matters in Town of Blanket: Our location between major trucking hubs means many drivers are pushing their limits to meet delivery schedules. Fatigue-related accidents are particularly common on the US 67/84 corridor as drivers try to make it to DFW or West Texas destinations.

How We Prove Violations: We obtain the driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records, which provide objective data about driving time. We also examine dispatch records to identify pressure to meet unrealistic schedules.

Driver Qualification Standards – Keeping Unsafe Drivers Off Our Roads

49 CFR Part 391 requires trucking companies to:

• Verify the driver has a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Check the driver’s driving record for previous violations
• Conduct background checks on previous employers
• Ensure the driver is medically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle
• Maintain a complete Driver Qualification (DQ) File

Why This Matters in Town of Blanket: With our mix of rural roads and truck traffic, we need qualified drivers who can safely navigate our local conditions. When trucking companies cut corners on driver qualifications, they put our entire community at risk.

How We Prove Violations: We subpoena the Driver Qualification File and compare it to FMCSA requirements. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. We also check the driver’s medical certification and drug test history.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements – Preventing Mechanical Failures

49 CFR Part 396 requires:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all vehicles
• Driver pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Record retention for all maintenance and repairs

Why This Matters in Town of Blanket: Our rural roads and changing weather conditions put additional stress on truck equipment. Proper maintenance is crucial to prevent brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that cause accidents.

How We Prove Violations: We obtain maintenance records, inspection reports, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs). We look for deferred maintenance, ignored defects, and failure to conduct required inspections.

Cargo Securement Rules – Preventing Shifting Loads and Spills

49 CFR Part 393.100-136 establishes:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
• Securement systems must withstand specific force requirements
• Different cargo types have specific securement requirements
• Drivers must inspect cargo during trips

Why This Matters in Town of Blanket: With our agricultural and oilfield industries, we see many trucks hauling specialized cargo. Improperly secured loads can shift during turns or sudden stops, causing rollovers or cargo spills that create hazards for other drivers.

How We Prove Violations: We examine the cargo securement system, including tiedowns, blocking, and bracing. We also check the bill of lading and loading records to determine who was responsible for proper securement.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Town of Blanket

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Town of Blanket, follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report the accident and request medical assistance
• A police report creates an official record of the accident
• In Texas, you’re legally required to report accidents involving injury, death, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven

2. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Okay

• Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents
• Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms immediately
• Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim
• Brownwood Regional Medical Center and other local facilities can provide immediate care

3. Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

• Take photos of all vehicle damage – inside and out
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs
• Capture images of your injuries
• Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
• Collect contact information from witnesses
• Note the trucking company name, DOT number, and any visible logos

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

• The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call quickly
• They’re trained to ask leading questions designed to minimize your claim
• Anything you say can and will be used against you
• Politely decline to give statements and refer them to your attorney

5. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

• Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
• Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within days
• Witness memories fade
• We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence

The Evidence We Preserve in Your Town of Blanket Trucking Case

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Black Box: Records speed, brake application, throttle position, and other critical data in the moments before a crash
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Federally mandated device that records driving hours, duty status, and GPS location
• GPS/Telematics Data: Real-time tracking of the truck’s route, speed, and location
• Cell Phone Records: Prove whether the driver was texting, talking, or using apps at the time of the accident
• Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies
• Previous accident/violation history
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Town of Blanket Trucking Accident?

In trucking accidents, multiple parties can be responsible for your injuries. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

• Direct negligence for speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue
• Violation of traffic laws or FMCSA regulations
• Failure to conduct proper inspections

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

• Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Negligent training or supervision
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
• Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

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

4. The Cargo Loading Company

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

• Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or other safety features
• Manufacturing defects causing component failures
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering components
• Defective lighting or coupling devices
• Defective safety systems

7. Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Broker

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. Government Entity

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

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Town of Blanket Truck Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles make catastrophic injuries common in trucking accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and cognitive deficits
• Severe TBIs can result in permanent disability requiring lifelong care
• Treatment may include emergency care, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy
• Lifetime costs can exceed $3 million

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

• Quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs, often requiring ventilator assistance
• Paraplegia: paralysis of the lower body, affecting mobility and bodily functions
• Incomplete injuries may allow some function but still require extensive care
• Lifetime costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more

Amputations

• Traumatic amputations occur when limbs are severed in the accident
• Surgical amputations may be required when limbs are too damaged to save
• Prosthetics and rehabilitation create substantial ongoing costs
• Psychological trauma and body image issues are common

Severe Burns

• Thermal burns from fires caused by ruptured fuel tanks
• Chemical burns from spilled hazardous materials
• Electrical burns from damaged wiring
• Treatment may require multiple skin graft surgeries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement are common

Internal Organ Damage

• Liver lacerations or ruptures
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or collapse
• Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery

Multiple Fractures

• Complex fractures requiring surgical intervention
• Hardware installation (plates, screws, rods)
• Extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Some fractures may result in permanent limitations

Wrongful Death

• When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims
• Available damages include lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses
• In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may be available

The Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts We Fight For

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. In our 25 years of handling trucking cases in Town of Blanket and throughout Texas, we’ve seen:

• $730 million verdict in a Texas trucking case (Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger)
• $150 million settlement in a Texas 18-wheeler accident (Werner case)
• Multiple verdicts and settlements in the $10-50 million range annually
• $37.5 million verdict for a trucking accident victim in Texas

These figures show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens settlement negotiations.

Types of Damages Available:

• Economic Damages: Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, life care costs
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of consortium
• Punitive Damages: Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to safety

The Attorney911 Advantage for Town of Blanket Trucking Cases

When you choose Attorney911 for your Town of Blanket trucking accident case, you’re getting:

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

• Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998
• We’ve handled cases against major commercial entities like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
• We understand the unique challenges of trucking cases in rural areas like Town of Blanket

2. Federal Court Experience

• We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• This is crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court
• We have the resources to handle complex federal litigation

3. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

• Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm
• He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims
• We use this insider knowledge to counter their tactics and maximize your recovery

4. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained
• We demand preservation of black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene when needed

5. Comprehensive Investigation

• We obtain complete Driver Qualification Files to check for negligent hiring
• We analyze ELD data to identify hours of service violations
• We examine maintenance records for deferred repairs
• We investigate cargo securement for violations of FMCSA regulations

6. Aggressive Litigation When Necessary

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court if necessary
• This creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• When cases do go to trial, we have the resources to take them all the way

7. Spanish Language Services

• Many truck drivers and accident victims in Town of Blanket speak Spanish as their primary language
• Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters
• We ensure our Spanish-speaking clients understand their rights and options

8. Contingency Fee Representation

• You pay nothing unless we win your case
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Blanket

The unique characteristics of our local roads and truck traffic patterns create specific types of accidents that we frequently see in Town of Blanket:

Jackknife Accidents

• The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes
• Common causes: sudden braking, wet or icy roads, improperly loaded cargo
• Particularly dangerous on US 67/84 where traffic moves at highway speeds

Rollover Accidents

• The truck tips onto its side or roof due to high center of gravity
• Common causes: speeding on curves, top-heavy loads, overcorrection after tire blowout
• Frequent on rural roads with sharp curves and limited shoulders

Underride Collisions

• A smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation
• Rear underride: vehicle strikes the back of the trailer
• Side underride: vehicle impacts the side of the trailer during turns or lane changes
• Particularly dangerous on rural roads where trucks make wide turns

Tire Blowout Accidents

• A tire failure causes the driver to lose control
• Common causes: poor maintenance, overloading, manufacturing defects
• Frequent on US 67/84 where trucks travel at high speeds for long distances

Brake Failure Accidents

• The truck’s braking system fails or underperforms
• Common causes: deferred maintenance, improper brake adjustments
• Particularly dangerous on rural roads with long downhill grades

Fatigue-Related Accidents

• The driver falls asleep or becomes too tired to react safely
• Common causes: hours of service violations, pressure from dispatch
• Frequent on long-haul routes through our area

Distracted Driving Accidents

• The driver is texting, talking, or using in-cab electronics
• Cell phone records often prove distraction at the time of the accident
• Particularly dangerous on rural roads where drivers may feel “safe” to check phones

Cargo Spill Accidents

• Improperly secured cargo falls from the truck or shifts during transit
• Common causes: inadequate tiedowns, failure to use blocking and bracing
• Particularly dangerous when hazardous materials are involved

Wide Turn Accidents

• The truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter
• Common on rural roads where trucks need to make wide turns to avoid curbs and signs
• Particularly dangerous at intersections in Town of Blanket and surrounding communities

The Town of Blanket Trucking Accident Case Process

When you hire Attorney911 for your Town of Blanket trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

• We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
• We’ll answer all your questions about the process
• There’s no obligation – you decide if you want to proceed

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• We demand preservation of black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed

3. Comprehensive Investigation

• We obtain all available evidence from the trucking company
• We interview witnesses and document the accident scene
• We work with medical experts to document your injuries

4. Medical Care Coordination

• We help you get the medical treatment you need
• We work with doctors to document your injuries and future care needs
• We ensure your treatment is properly documented for your case

5. Demand Package Preparation

• We compile all evidence and calculate your damages
• We prepare a comprehensive demand package for the insurance company
• We demand full compensation for all your injuries and losses

6. Settlement Negotiations

• We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
• We counter their lowball offers with evidence of your damages
• We use our trial experience to create leverage in negotiations

7. Litigation (If Necessary)

• We file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• We conduct discovery to obtain additional evidence
• We take depositions of the truck driver, dispatchers, and company representatives
• We prepare your case for trial

8. Trial Preparation and Resolution

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
• Most cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to go all the way if necessary

Frequently Asked Questions About Town of Blanket Trucking Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Blanket?
A: Your first priority is your health. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. If you’re able, document the scene with photos and collect witness information. Most importantly, call an attorney right away – critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Town of Blanket?
A: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Q: How much is my Town of Blanket trucking accident case worth?
A: Case values depend on many factors, including:

• Severity of your injuries
• Cost of your medical treatment (past and future)
• Amount of lost wages and earning capacity
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles, allowing for larger recoveries. We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.

Q: How long will my case take to resolve?
A: Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Cases with moderate injuries: 12-18 months
• Complex cases with catastrophic injuries: 2-4 years
• Cases that go to trial: 3-5 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
A: 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.

Q: What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a settlement?
A: Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies make early settlement offers to pay you far less than your case is worth. These offers are designed to close your case before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: Bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily prevent recovery. We investigate all available insurance policies and other potential sources of compensation. In some cases, we can pursue claims against the trucking company’s assets or other liable parties.

Q: How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?
A: We use several methods to prove fatigue:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Witness statements about the driver’s behavior
• Expert testimony about fatigue’s effects on driving ability

Q: What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?
A: Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence in your case. We demand preservation of all video evidence immediately. This footage can show exactly what happened and who was at fault.

Q: Can I sue the company that loaded the cargo?
A: Yes. If improperly secured cargo contributed to the accident, the loading company may be liable. We investigate cargo securement to determine if violations of FMCSA regulations occurred.

Q: What if road conditions contributed to my accident?
A: In some cases, government entities may be liable for dangerous road conditions. This could include:

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

Q: How are future medical expenses calculated?
A: We work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate future medical needs. This includes:

• Future surgeries and hospitalizations
• Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Home modifications
• In-home care or assisted living

Q: What is loss of consortium?
A: Loss of consortium refers to the impact of your injuries on your marriage and family relationships. This can include:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Loss of sexual relations
• Loss of household services
• Loss of guidance for children

Q: When are punitive damages available?
A: Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (such as falsifying logs or destroying evidence)

In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, or
• $200,000

Q: What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
A: In Texas, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Available damages include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Town of Blanket Trucking Accident Case?

When you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Town of Blanket, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that will fight for every penny you deserve. Here’s why Town of Blanket families choose Attorney911:

We’re Town of Blanket Trucking Accident Specialists

• We’ve handled hundreds of trucking cases in Brown County and throughout Texas
• We understand the unique challenges of rural trucking accidents
• We know the local courts, judges, and trucking corridors
• We’re familiar with the industries that generate truck traffic in our area

We Know How to Fight Trucking Companies

• We’ve taken on major commercial entities like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
• We understand their tactics and how to counter them
• We know where to look for evidence of negligence
• We have the resources to go up against their legal teams

We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

• Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm
• He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims
• We use this insider knowledge to maximize your recovery

We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained
• We demand preservation of black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts when needed
• We know what evidence to look for and how to obtain it

We Handle Catastrophic Injury Cases

• We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries
• We work with medical experts to document your injuries and future care needs
• We understand the lifelong impact of catastrophic injuries

We Prepare Every Case for Trial

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court if necessary
• This creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• When cases do go to trial, we have the resources to take them all the way

We Offer Spanish Language Services

• Many truck drivers and accident victims in Town of Blanket speak Spanish as their primary language
• Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters
• We ensure our Spanish-speaking clients understand their rights and options

We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing

We Treat You Like Family

• We understand the devastating impact of trucking accidents
• We provide compassionate, personalized service
• We keep you informed every step of the way
• We fight for you like we would fight for our own family

Town of Blanket Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

• Brownwood Regional Medical Center: 1501 Burnet Dr, Brownwood, TX 76801
• Hendrick Medical Center: 1900 Pine St, Abilene, TX 79601 (Level III Trauma Center)
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple: 2401 S 31st St, Temple, TX 76508 (Level I Trauma Center)

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• TxDOT Brownwood District Office: 300 W Commerce St, Brownwood, TX 76801
• TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS): https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

• FMCSA Safety Measurement System: https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/sms/
• FMCSA Company Safety Profile: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Brown County Sheriff’s Office:

• 200 S Broadway St, Brownwood, TX 76801
• Non-emergency number: (325) 646-5510

Town of Blanket City Hall:

• 100 S Main St, Blanket, TX 76432
• Phone: (325) 725-3522

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS):

• Brownwood DPS Office: 2405 Coggin Ave, Brownwood, TX 76801
• Phone: (325) 646-3311

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Blanket, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need an attorney who will fight for you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.

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

Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for what you deserve.