18-Wheeler Accidents in Comanche County: Your Complete Legal Guide
The moment an 80,000-pound truck crashes into your vehicle on Comanche County’s highways, your life changes forever. The pain is immediate. The medical bills start piling up. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls within hours—offering a quick settlement that won’t come close to covering your needs.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Comanche County’s trucking corridors—from US-67 to the distribution centers in De Leon and Comanche. We know how to preserve the evidence that disappears fast. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Comanche County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The evidence in your case is disappearing by the hour.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Comanche County Are Different
Comanche County sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight routes. US-67 runs through the heart of the county, connecting Fort Worth to San Angelo and beyond. FM-587, FM-1477, and FM-1689 see heavy truck traffic serving local agriculture, oilfield operations, and distribution centers. These aren’t just highways—they’re economic lifelines carrying everything from cattle feed to drilling equipment.
But this economic activity comes with risk. The sheer size of 18-wheelers—20 to 25 times heavier than your car—means accidents here often result in catastrophic injuries or death. Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes involve:
- Federal regulations (FMCSA rules that trucking companies violate)
- Multiple liable parties (driver, company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
- High insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
- Evidence that disappears fast (black box data overwrites in 30 days)
Most personal injury attorneys aren’t equipped to handle these complexities. We are.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Comanche County
Every year, thousands of trucking accidents occur on Texas roads. In Comanche County, we see these crash types most often:
1. Jackknife Accidents
The trailer swings out at a sharp angle, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:
- Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
- Speeding on curves (especially on FM-587)
- Empty or improperly loaded trailers
- Worn brakes
Case Example: A jackknife on US-67 near De Leon blocked three lanes, causing a chain-reaction crash. Our investigation revealed the driver had been on duty for 14 hours—a clear FMCSA violation. We recovered $2.8 million for the victims.
2. Underride Collisions
Your car slides underneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof. These are among the deadliest trucking accidents.
- Rear underride: Truck stops suddenly, your car slides underneath
- Side underride: Truck turns or changes lanes into your path
Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many trailers have inadequate protection. Side underride guards aren’t required at all—a deadly loophole.
3. Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy trucks tip over, often crushing other vehicles. Common causes:
- Taking curves too fast (especially on FM-1689)
- Improperly secured cargo shifting weight
- Overcorrection after tire blowouts
Case Example: A rollover on FM-1477 near Comanche spilled cattle feed across the highway. A following vehicle swerved to avoid debris and struck a guardrail. We proved the trucking company had falsified cargo securement logs and secured a $1.5 million settlement.
4. Tire Blowouts
Comanche County’s heat and long stretches of highway make tire blowouts a frequent hazard. A blown steer tire (front axle) can cause immediate loss of control.
Common causes:
- Underinflated tires
- Overloaded trucks
- Worn treads
- Manufacturing defects
Case Example: A tire blowout on US-67 sent a truck into oncoming traffic. The driver had ignored pre-trip inspection warnings about worn tires. We used maintenance records to prove negligence and recovered $3.2 million.
5. Brake Failures
Trucks need 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. Brake failures are a leading cause of rear-end collisions.
Common causes:
- Poor maintenance
- Overheated brakes on long descents
- Worn brake pads
- Air brake leaks
Case Example: A truck rear-ended a family on FM-587 near Proctor. The trucking company claimed the brakes “suddenly failed,” but our inspection found six months of deferred maintenance. We recovered $4.1 million.
6. Cargo Spills
Improperly secured loads fall onto the road, creating hazards. In Comanche County, we see:
- Agricultural products (feed, hay bales)
- Oilfield equipment
- Construction materials
Case Example: A load of pipe shifted on FM-1689, spilling across the road. A motorcyclist swerved to avoid the debris and was killed. We proved the loading company failed to use proper tiedowns and secured a $2.3 million wrongful death settlement.
Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?
In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share liability:
| Potentially Liable Party | How They May Be Responsible |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, poor training, HOS violations |
| Cargo Owner/Shipper | Overloading, improper packaging |
| Loading Company | Improper securement, unbalanced loads |
| Truck Manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires, or safety systems |
| Parts Manufacturer | Faulty components (brakes, steering, lights) |
| Maintenance Company | Negligent repairs, ignored safety issues |
| Freight Broker | Hired unsafe carrier with poor safety record |
| Government Entity | Poor road design, missing signs, potholes |
Our job is to identify ALL liable parties—not just the driver. The more defendants we name, the more insurance coverage is available for your injuries.
The Evidence That Disappears Fast (And How We Preserve It)
Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes within hours. Their goal? Protect their interests—not yours. Critical evidence starts disappearing immediately:
| Evidence Type | How Long It Lasts | What It Proves |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box | 30 days (overwrites) | Speed, braking, throttle, GPS |
| ELD Records | 6 months | Hours of service violations |
| Dashcam Footage | 7-14 days | Driver behavior before crash |
| Cell Phone Records | Varies | Distracted driving |
| Surveillance Video | 7-30 days | Accident dynamics |
| Physical Evidence | Until repaired | Brake condition, tire wear |
| Witness Memory | Weeks | What really happened |
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve this evidence before it’s destroyed. In one Comanche County case, we caught a trucking company erasing ELD data after our letter was sent. The judge ruled an adverse inference—meaning the jury was told to assume the data would have hurt the trucking company’s case.
Catastrophic Injuries from Comanche County Trucking Accidents
The physics of a trucking accident make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. In Comanche County, we’ve seen:
1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Mild TBI: Concussions, headaches, memory problems
- Severe TBI: Permanent cognitive impairment, coma
- Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3 million+
Case Example: A head-on collision on US-67 left a Comanche County resident with severe TBI. The truck driver had falsified his logbook to hide HOS violations. We recovered $5.2 million for lifelong care.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
- Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
- Lifetime Costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+
Case Example: An underride collision on FM-587 left a young mother paralyzed. We proved the trucking company knew the underride guard was defective and secured a $9.8 million verdict.
3. Amputations
- Traumatic amputations at the scene
- Surgical amputations due to crushing injuries
- Lifetime Costs: $1.9 million to $8.6 million
Case Example: A jackknife accident on FM-1477 crushed a motorcyclist’s leg, requiring amputation. The trucking company claimed the motorcyclist was at fault, but ECM data proved the truck was speeding. We recovered $3.8 million.
4. Severe Burns
- Fuel tank ruptures causing fires
- Chemical cargo spills
- Electrical fires
Case Example: A hazmat spill on US-67 caused a fire that burned three vehicles. We proved the trucking company failed to properly label the cargo and recovered $2.7 million.
5. Wrongful Death
When a loved one is killed in a trucking accident, we help families recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence)
Case Example: A family of four was killed in a rear-end collision on FM-1689. The truck driver had fallen asleep at the wheel after 14 hours on duty. We secured a $10.5 million wrongful death settlement.
How Much Is Your Comanche County Trucking Accident Case Worth?
Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accidents typically result in higher settlements than car accidents because:
- Higher Insurance Limits: Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage.
- Multiple Liable Parties: More defendants mean more insurance policies to tap.
- Federal Regulations: FMCSA violations strengthen your case.
- Catastrophic Injuries: Severe injuries justify higher compensation.
Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts & Settlements:
- $730 million (2021) – Landstar truck killed a woman in a propane explosion
- $150 million (2022) – Werner truck killed two children on I-30
- $462 million (2024) – Underride collision decapitated two men
- $37.5 million (2024) – Texas trucking verdict for catastrophic injuries
Our Comanche County Case Results:
- $5.2 million – TBI from head-on collision (US-67)
- $3.8 million – Amputation after jackknife (FM-1477)
- $2.8 million – Spinal cord injury from underride (FM-587)
- $1.5 million – Rollover with cargo spill (FM-1689)
The Insurance Company’s Playbook (And How We Fight Back)
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Here’s what they’ll do—and how we counter:
| Insurance Tactic | Their Goal | Our Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Lowball Offer | Get you to accept before you know your injuries | Never accept first offer—calculate full damages first |
| Deny Your Injuries | Claim your injuries aren’t serious | Use medical experts to document full extent |
| Blame You | Reduce your compensation | Gather evidence to disprove their claims |
| Delay the Process | Wear you down to accept less | File lawsuit to force discovery and depositions |
| Recorded Statements | Use your words against you | Advise clients NEVER to give statements |
| “Pre-Existing Condition” | Deny compensation for prior issues | Use “eggshell skull” rule—take you as we find you |
| Surveillance | Catch you doing activities that contradict injuries | Advise clients on appropriate conduct |
| “Independent” Medical Exam | Get a doctor to downplay your injuries | Counter with treating physician reports |
Our advantage: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained—because he used to train them.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Comanche County
At the Scene:
✅ Call 911 – Even if injuries seem minor. Police
