18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Evant, Texas

Every year, thousands of families in Coryell County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents on our local highways and rural roads. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Evant, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our community.

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 verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Evant and the surrounding communities.

Why Evant Trucking Accidents Are Different

Evant sits at the crossroads of several critical trucking corridors that serve Central Texas and beyond. Our position along US-84 and proximity to major highways like I-35 and US-281 creates unique risks for local drivers:

Heavy truck traffic from agricultural shipments, oil field equipment, and distribution center logistics
Rural road challenges with narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and sudden curves
Seasonal traffic spikes during harvest seasons and oil field activity
Limited emergency response in remote areas between Evant and Gatesville

We know Evant’s trucking corridors, from the local farm-to-market roads to the interstate connections that bring big rigs through our community. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Evant

Trucking accidents in our area often result from:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

With Evant’s position along major shipping routes, truck drivers often push their limits to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Violations of these rules cause approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. We investigate ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data to prove when drivers exceeded these limits.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

The hilly terrain around Evant puts extra stress on truck braking systems. Poorly maintained brakes fail at critical moments, especially on:

US-84 between Evant and Goldthwaite
FM-580 heading toward Gatesville
The steep grades approaching Lampasas

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. We subpoena maintenance records to prove when trucking companies deferred critical repairs.

Cargo Securement Issues

Agricultural shipments, oil field equipment, and livestock hauling are common in our area. Improperly secured loads can:

Shift during transport, causing rollovers
Fall onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
Create instability on rural curves and hills

We examine cargo manifests and loading procedures to identify securement violations.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

With long stretches of rural highway, distraction becomes especially dangerous. We investigate:

Cell phone use while driving
Dispatch system distractions
Drug and alcohol impairment
Driver fatigue from long hauls

Roadway Factors Unique to Evant

Our local roads present special challenges:

Narrow shoulders on rural highways
Limited lighting on county roads
Sudden curves and elevation changes
Inadequate signage for truck traffic
Poorly maintained road surfaces

Catastrophic Injuries We See in Evant Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (3,500-4,000 lbs) means trucking accidents often result in devastating injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even with airbags and seatbelts, the force of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include:

Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and depression
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)

Lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function loss

Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million depending on injury level.

Amputations

Crushing forces or severe burns may require surgical amputation of:

Arms or legs
Fingers or toes
Partial limb amputations

Prosthetic limbs cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and require replacement throughout a lifetime.

Severe Burns

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

First-degree burns (superficial)
Second-degree burns (partial thickness)
Third-degree burns (full thickness)
Fourth-degree burns (through skin to muscle/bone)

Burn treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause:

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

These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Evant Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability may exist for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Both vicarious liability (for the driver’s actions) and direct negligence may apply:

Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driving records or qualifications
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety or equipment training
Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owners and Shippers

Liability may exist for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loaders may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight ratings
Failure to train loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Product liability claims may exist for:

Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tanks
Manufacturing defects in components
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, liability may exist for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain roads
Inadequate signage
Improper work zone setup

Critical Evidence in Your Evant Trucking Accident Case

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and location history
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing video

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, training records
Driving Record: History of violations and accidents
Medical Certification: Current medical examiner’s certificate
Drug/Alcohol Tests: Pre-employment and random test results

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records: Inspection and repair history
Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations and repairs
Tire Records: Replacement history and tread depth measurements

Company Records

Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to accident
Dispatch Logs: Trip records and communications
Safety Policies: Training curricula and safety procedures
CSA Scores: Carrier’s safety performance history

Physical Evidence

The Truck and Trailer: Inspection before repair or disposal
Failed Components: Tires, brakes, or other parts for analysis
Cargo and Securement Devices: Manifests and loading records

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. We implement our 48-hour protocol immediately:

Send Spoliation Letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence
Demand Immediate Download of ECM and ELD data before it’s overwritten
Secure Physical Evidence including the truck, trailer, and failed components
Preserve Electronic Evidence including dashcam footage and GPS data
Interview Witnesses before memories fade
Photograph the Scene and document road conditions
Retain Experts including accident reconstruction specialists

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Evant Trucking Accident Case?

Decades of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our firm has:

Recovered over $50 million for Texas families
Secured multi-million dollar settlements in catastrophic injury cases
Taken on major trucking companies including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
Handled complex cases involving BP Texas City explosion victims

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 and minimize claims
Train adjusters to lowball victims
Use software like Colossus to undervalue injuries
Deny or delay legitimate claims

Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Experience

With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Bilingual Services for Our Community

Evant has a growing Hispanic community, and we’re proud to offer fluent Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña. We provide:

Direct communication in Spanish
No need for interpreters
Spanish-language consultations
Assistance for Spanish-speaking truck drivers who are victims

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Local Knowledge of Evant and Coryell County

We understand:

The local trucking corridors and accident patterns
The courts serving our area
The judges and insurance adjusters we’ll be dealing with
The unique challenges of rural trucking cases
The local hospitals and medical providers

Aggressive Representation with Compassion

We treat our clients like family. As Chad Harris, one of our clients, said:

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Evant

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Evant, take these steps:

Call 911 and report the accident immediately
Seek Medical Attention – even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline masks pain
Document the Scene with photos and video if possible
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Road conditions, skid marks, debris
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Your injuries
Collect Information
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Witness names and phone numbers
Do NOT Give Recorded Statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 Immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Frequently Asked Questions About Evant Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Evant?

Multiple parties may be liable:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo owner
The loading company
Truck or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Freight brokers
Government entities (for road defects)

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data including:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
GPS location
Fault codes

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. ELD data must be retained for 6 months under FMCSA rules. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this critical evidence.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment.

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

Hours of service violations (driving too long)
False log entries (lying about driving time)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

Employment application
Driving record check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug test results
Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Evant?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage
Multiple fractures
Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Evant?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Evant?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

Motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Evant Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, our experience with trucking accident cases in Texas demonstrates what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
$2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

As Glenda Walker, one of our clients, said:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Contact Evant’s Trucking Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Coryell County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Evant trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait. Evidence in your Evant trucking accident case is disappearing every hour. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call us now to protect your rights and your future.

“Every day you wait, your case gets harder to prove. Call today: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.”