18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Pittsburg, TX – Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways—many right here in Northeast Texas near Pittsburg. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Pittsburg, TX, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable, and has the experience to fight for maximum compensation.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Pittsburg’s trucking corridors—from US-271 to State Highway 11—and we know how to win cases here.

Why Pittsburg Trucking Accidents Are So Dangerous

Pittsburg sits at the crossroads of major freight routes in Camp County, Texas, making it a high-risk area for trucking accidents. Some of the most dangerous factors in Pittsburg truck crashes include:

• Fatigued drivers violating FMCSA hours-of-service rules (many trucks pass through Pittsburg on long-haul routes from Dallas to Texarkana or Shreveport)
• Poorly maintained trucks with worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lighting (common in rural areas where inspections are less frequent)
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo (timber, oilfield equipment, and agricultural products are common in Northeast Texas)
• Speeding and reckless driving on rural highways with sudden curves and limited visibility
• Distracted or impaired truck drivers (cell phone use, dispatch distractions, or substance abuse)

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Pittsburg, TX

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Truck drivers are federally required to follow strict hours-of-service (HOS) rules under 49 CFR Part 395. These rules limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related crashes:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty)
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Violations are common in Pittsburg trucking accidents because drivers are often pressured by trucking companies to meet tight deadlines. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data can prove these violations—but this evidence disappears in 30 days if not preserved.

⚠️ If you were hit by a truck in Pittsburg, TX, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

2. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes (FMCSA). In Pittsburg, where trucks frequently haul heavy loads, worn brakes, improper adjustments, or deferred maintenance can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions.

FMCSA regulations require:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Annual brake inspections (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Proper brake adjustment (pushrod travel limits)

If a trucking company ignored maintenance records or failed to fix known brake issues, they can be held directly liable for your injuries.

3. Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are a leading cause of truck rollovers and jackknife accidents. In Pittsburg’s hot Texas summers, underinflated tires, overloaded trucks, or worn treads can overheat and explode, causing the driver to lose control.

FMCSA tire requirements (49 CFR § 393.75):

• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions
• No visible cord or fabric (indicates excessive wear)
• Proper inflation (underinflated tires overheat)

If a blown tire caused your Pittsburg truck accident, we’ll investigate whether the trucking company failed to inspect, replace, or properly inflate the tires.

4. Improper Cargo Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift, fall off the truck, or cause rollovers. This is especially dangerous in Pittsburg, where trucks often haul timber, oilfield equipment, or agricultural products.

FMCSA cargo securement rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

• Adequate tiedowns (must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g lateral and rearward)
• Proper load distribution (top-heavy loads increase rollover risk)
• Blocking and bracing for certain cargo types

If falling cargo or a shifting load caused your accident, we’ll hold the trucking company, loader, and shipper accountable.

5. Distracted & Impaired Driving

Truck drivers are banned from using hand-held phones while driving (49 CFR § 392.82). Yet distracted driving remains a major problem in Pittsburg truck crashes.

Common distractions include:

• Texting or using dispatch devices
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or CB radios
• Fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel)

Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol) is also a serious issue. FMCSA prohibits:

• Any alcohol use within 4 hours of driving (49 CFR § 392.5)
• Driving with a BAC of 0.04 or higher (half the legal limit for passenger vehicles)

If a distracted or impaired truck driver caused your Pittsburg accident, we’ll subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and drug test results to prove negligence.

6. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need extra space to make turns, especially in Pittsburg’s tight intersections. When a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, it creates a gap that smaller vehicles can enter—only for the truck to crush them as it completes the turn.

FMCSA requires:

• Proper signaling (49 CFR § 392.22)
• Mirror checks before turning (49 CFR § 392.11)
• Safe turning speed (49 CFR § 392.6)

If a truck driver failed to signal, check mirrors, or yield the right-of-way, we’ll hold them liable for your injuries.

7. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

FMCSA requires:

• Rear underride guards on trailers (49 CFR § 393.86)
• Proper lighting and reflectors (49 CFR § 393.11)

There is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—a major safety gap that leads to hundreds of deaths annually.

If you or a loved one was severely injured in an underride crash in Pittsburg, we’ll investigate whether the trucking company or trailer manufacturer failed to install proper guards.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pittsburg Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, GPS, dispatch devices)
• Fatigued driving (violating HOS rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the truck (pre-trip/post-trip checks)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the deepest pockets in a lawsuit. They can be held vicariously liable for the driver’s actions and directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records, criminal history, or qualifications)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (ignoring brake, tire, or lighting issues)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

If the cargo was improperly loaded, overloaded, or mislabeled, the shipper may share liability.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders can be held responsible for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced loads (increasing rollover risk)
• Overweight loads (exceeding truck capacity)

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defective part (brakes, tires, steering, coupling devices) caused the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.

6. The Maintenance Company

If a third-party mechanic failed to properly repair the truck, they can be held responsible for negligent maintenance.

7. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers (companies that arrange transportation) can be liable if they negligently selected an unsafe carrier with a poor safety record.

8. Government Entities (Rare, but Possible)

If poor road design, lack of signage, or unmaintained roads contributed to the crash, a government entity (TxDOT, Camp County, City of Pittsburg) may share liability.

⚠️ Texas has strict notice requirements for suing the government—you typically have only 6 months to file a claim. If you suspect road conditions played a role in your Pittsburg truck accident, contact us immediately.

Catastrophic Injuries in Pittsburg Trucking Accidents

Because of the massive size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries.

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Causes: Violent impact, whiplash, or being struck by debris
• Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood swings, seizures
• Lifetime Costs: $85,000 – $3,000,000+

2. Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

• Causes: Crushing impact, ejection from vehicle, or being pinned
• Types:
  • Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
  • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Lifetime Costs: $1,100,000 – $5,000,000+

3. Amputations

• Causes: Crushing injuries, entrapment, or severe burns
• Lifetime Costs: $500,000 – $2,000,000 (including prosthetics)

4. Severe Burns

• Causes: Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires
• Treatment: Multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, lifelong scarring
• Lifetime Costs: $200,000 – $5,000,000+

5. Internal Organ Damage

• Common Injuries: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, internal bleeding
• Risk: Can be life-threatening if not treated immediately

6. Wrongful Death

If a loved one was killed in a Pittsburg trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

How Much Is Your Pittsburg Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Every case is different, but Pittsburg trucking accident settlements and verdicts can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

Recent Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements (Nationwide Examples)

While these are not our cases, they show what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

In Pittsburg, TX, juries have shown they will hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. With the right evidence and legal strategy, multi-million dollar recoveries are possible.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Pittsburg, TX

✅ Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not be immediately apparent.
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (truck and your car)
   • Skid marks, debris, road conditions
   • Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
   • The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
   • Witness contact information
4. Get the Truck Driver’s Information – Name, CDL number, contact info, insurance details.
5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters will use your words against you to minimize your claim.
6. Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

❌ What NOT to Do

• Do NOT admit fault (even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you).
• Do NOT sign anything from the trucking company or their insurance.
• Do NOT post on social media (insurance companies will use your posts to argue you’re not really injured).
• Do NOT delay medical treatment (gaps in treatment hurt your case).
• Do NOT accept a quick settlement (first offers are always lowball).

How Attorney911 Builds Your Pittsburg Trucking Accident Case

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation (First 48 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties
• Demand preservation of:
  • ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
  • ELD logs (hours of service, GPS location)
  • Driver Qualification File (hiring, training, medical records)
  • Maintenance records (brake, tire, inspection history)
  • Dashcam footage (if available)
  • Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
  • The truck and trailer (for inspection by accident reconstruction experts)

2. Thorough Investigation

• Accident reconstruction – We hire experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and ECM data to determine exactly what happened.
• FMCSA compliance review – We check for HOS violations, false logs, maintenance failures, and cargo securement issues.
• Driver background check – We investigate the driver’s history of accidents, violations, and drug/alcohol tests.
• Corporate negligence investigation – We look for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and scheduling practices.

3. Identifying All Liable Parties

We don’t just sue the driver—we pursue every responsible party to maximize your compensation:

• Trucking company (vicarious and direct liability)
• Cargo owner / shipper (if improper loading contributed)
• Maintenance company (if poor repairs caused the crash)
• Manufacturer (if defective parts failed)
• Freight broker (if they hired an unsafe carrier)
• Government entity (if road conditions played a role)

4. Calculating Full Damages

We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate:

• Past and future medical expenses (surgeries, rehab, home modifications)
• Lost wages and earning capacity (if you can’t work or must change careers)
• Pain and suffering (physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life)
• Punitive damages (if the trucking company acted with gross negligence)

5. Aggressive Negotiation & Litigation

• We reject lowball settlement offers – Insurance companies start with offers far below what your case is worth.
• We prepare every case for trial – Trucking companies know which lawyers will go to court and which will settle cheap. Our trial experience gives us leverage in negotiations.
• We’re not afraid of big corporations – We’ve taken on Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS—and won.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pittsburg Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (critical for interstate trucking cases)
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• A track record of holding Fortune 500 trucking operations accountable

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years inside the system—now he uses that knowledge to fight for YOU.

“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

3. We Know Pittsburg’s Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique risks of trucking in Camp County and Northeast Texas, including:

• US-271 (high-speed truck traffic between Pittsburg and Mount Pleasant)
• State Highway 11 (rural road with sudden curves and limited visibility)
• I-30 & I-20 (major interstate freight routes near Pittsburg)
• Local distribution centers and truck stops (where drivers may be violating HOS rules)
• Oilfield and timber trucking routes (common in Northeast Texas)

4. We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
ELD logs may be deleted after 6 months.
Dashcam footage is often erased within 7-14 days.

We send spoliation letters immediately to prevent the trucking company from destroying critical evidence.

5. No Upfront Costs – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

6. 24/7 Availability – We Answer Calls Immediately

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and start working on your case immediately.

7. Hablamos Español – Fluent Spanish Services

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

“Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.”

Pittsburg, TX Trucking Accident FAQ

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

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

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

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. Truck drivers often lie to protect their jobs—but the ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction tell the true story.

3. 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)—similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can prove:

• Speed before and during the crash (was the driver speeding?)
• Brake application timing (did the driver brake in time?)
• Throttle position (was the driver accelerating or coasting?)
• Following distance (was the driver tailgating?)
• Hours of service (was the driver fatigued?)

This objective data often contradicts what the driver claims happened.

4. What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue every relevant record to build your case:

• ECM/Black Box data (speed, braking, throttle)
• ELD logs (hours of service, GPS location)
• Driver Qualification File (hiring, training, medical records)
• Maintenance records (brake, tire, inspection history)
• Dispatch records (was the driver pressured to meet a deadline?)
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
• Cargo manifest (was the load properly secured?)
• The physical truck and trailer (for expert inspection)

5. Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes! Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Additionally, the trucking company can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s background)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (ignoring brake, tire, or lighting issues)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

6. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy still covers your claim. We identify all available insurance coverage, including:

• Primary liability policy ($750,000 – $5,000,000)
• Excess/umbrella coverage (additional layers of insurance)
• Cargo insurance (if improper loading contributed)
• Trailer interchange coverage (if the trailer was leased)
• Owner-operator’s policy (if the driver owned the truck)

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

Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• If you’re 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of your damages.
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Our job is to minimize your attributed fault by gathering evidence that proves the truck driver’s negligence.

8. How much is my Pittsburg trucking accident case worth?

Every case is different, but Pittsburg trucking accident settlements can range from $100,000 to $10,000,000+, depending on:

Factors that increase case value:

• Clear liability (the truck driver was obviously at fault)
• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations)
• Gross negligence (falsified logs, drunk driving, intentional violations)
• Deep-pocketed defendants (large trucking companies with high insurance limits)

9. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies start with lowball offers to pay you far less than your case is worth. They know you’re vulnerable—facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty.

Before accepting any settlement, consult an experienced Pittsburg trucking accident attorney. We’ll calculate the full value of your case and negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.

10. Do I need a lawyer for a Pittsburg trucking accident case?

Yes. Trucking accident cases are far more complex than car accident cases. The trucking industry has teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize your claim. Without an attorney, you’re at a huge disadvantage.

An experienced Pittsburg trucking accident lawyer will:

• Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
• Investigate all liable parties (not just the driver)
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength
• Take your case to trial if necessary

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.”

Pittsburg, TX Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• UT Health Pittsburg (Pittsburg, TX) – (903) 946-5000
• CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Mount Pleasant (Mount Pleasant, TX) – (903) 577-6000
• UT Health Tyler (Tyler, TX) – Level III Trauma Center – (903) 531-8000
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Longview (Longview, TX) – (903) 236-3000

Pittsburg, TX Law Enforcement & Accident Reporting

• Pittsburg Police Department – (903) 856-3321
• Camp County Sheriff’s Office – (903) 856-3331
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – (903) 572-5800
• TxDOT Crash Reporting – https://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/crash-reports.html

FMCSA & Trucking Safety Resources

• FMCSA Safety & Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System – https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/
• FMCSA Company Snapshot – https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/
• NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) – https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Contact Attorney911 – Pittsburg, TX Trucking Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Pittsburg, TX, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Call Us?

✅ 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on our team (we know their tactics)
✅ We move fast to preserve evidence (black box data disappears in 30 days)
✅ No upfront costs – you pay nothing unless we win
✅ Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña provides direct Spanish representation
✅ 24/7 availability – we answer calls immediately

What to Expect When You Call:

1. Free case evaluation – We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options.
2. Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll send spoliation letters to protect critical evidence.
3. Aggressive investigation – We’ll gather all records, interview witnesses, and hire experts.
4. Maximum compensation – We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.

“Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.”

Our Pittsburg, TX Office (Available for Client Meetings)

While our primary offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we regularly handle cases in Pittsburg and Camp County and are available for in-person consultations at your convenience.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Pittsburg, TX Trucking Accident Case Results (Attorney911 Examples)

While we can’t guarantee results in your case, here are some of the multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts we’ve secured for trucking accident victims:

“We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families—and we’re ready to fight for you.”

Client Testimonials

“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

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
— Jacqueline Johnson, Attorney911 Client

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win – Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company and their insurance adjusters start working against you immediately. They’ll try to destroy evidence, blame you for the crash, and offer you a lowball settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries.

You need a fighter on your side.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We have:

• 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
• A former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics
• The resources to take on big corporations
• A track record of multi-million dollar recoveries

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’ll preserve the evidence, investigate the crash, and fight for maximum compensation—so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

“If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Pittsburg, TX, call Attorney911 now. We answer. We fight. We win.”