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Cottle County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Proven Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello with Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Including $5+ Million Brain Injury and $2.5+ Million Truck Crash Settlements, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Their Denial Tactics, FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Masters Specializing in Hours of Service Violations, Black Box Data Extraction, and Electronic Control Module Evidence Preservation for Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, and All Catastrophic 18-Wheeler Collisions Including TBI, Spinal Cord Injuries, Amputations, and Wrongful Death Cases, Federal Court Admitted with Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Free 24/7 Consultation with No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation Protocol, 4.9★ Google Rating with 251+ Reviews, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for Immediate Help from Cottle County’s Trusted Trucking Accident Legal Emergency Lawyers™

February 11, 2026 16 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Cottle County, Texas – Attorney911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Cottle County, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve. The aftermath of a trucking collision can be devastating—leaving victims with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding negligent trucking companies accountable.

Our team, led by Ralph Manginello—a 25+ year veteran of trucking litigation—has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Texas. We know how trucking companies operate, and we use that knowledge to maximize your settlement or verdict.

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

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Cottle County

Cottle County’s highways, including US-83 and US-70, see heavy truck traffic from freight haulers, oilfield transporters, and agricultural shipments. Unlike car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and much higher insurance limits—meaning your case requires a specialized approach.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Cottle County

  • Driver fatigue (violating FMCSA Hours of Service rules)
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch distractions)
  • Improper loading or cargo shifts (unsecured freight causing rollovers)
  • Brake failures (poor maintenance, worn-out systems)
  • Tire blowouts (underinflated or defective tires)
  • Underride collisions (passenger vehicles sliding under trailers)
  • Jackknife accidents (sudden braking or slick roads causing trailer swings)
  • Drunk or drugged driving (failed drug/alcohol tests)

Why You Need an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Cottle County

1. Evidence Disappears Fast – Act Now

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours to protect their interests—not yours. Critical evidence like:

  • Black box data (speed, braking, hours driven)
  • ELD logs (electronic driving records)
  • Dashcam footage (driver behavior before impact)
  • Maintenance records (brake inspections, tire replacements)

…can be destroyed or overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

2. Multiple Liable Parties – We Investigate Them All

Unlike car accidents, trucking collisions often involve multiple defendants, including:
The truck driver (for negligence, fatigue, or impairment)
The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
The cargo loader (for improperly secured freight)
The maintenance provider (for brake or tire failures)
The truck manufacturer (for defective parts)
The freight broker (for hiring unsafe carriers)

Our team subpoenas records, interviews witnesses, and works with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case against every responsible party.

3. Higher Insurance Limits – We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Trucking companies carry minimum $750,000 in liability insurance—far more than typical auto policies. This means:

  • Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations) can be fully compensated.
  • Wrongful death claims can provide financial security for grieving families.
  • Punitive damages may apply if the trucking company acted with gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations).

We don’t settle for lowball offers—we fight for every dollar you deserve.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 lbs), collisions often result in life-altering injuries, including:

Injury Type Impact on Your Life Potential Compensation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Memory loss, cognitive impairment, permanent disability $1M – $10M+
Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) Loss of mobility, lifelong medical care $2M – $25M+
Amputations Prosthetics, rehabilitation, loss of earning capacity $1M – $8M+
Severe Burns Multiple surgeries, skin grafts, disfigurement $500K – $5M+
Internal Organ Damage Emergency surgery, long-term complications $250K – $3M+
Wrongful Death Loss of income, funeral expenses, emotional suffering $1M – $15M+

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Cottle County

✅ At the Scene:

  • Call 911 and report the accident.
  • Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
  • Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and injuries.
  • Get the truck driver’s information (name, CDL number, trucking company).
  • Collect witness contact details (names, phone numbers).
  • Do NOT admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance adjusters.

✅ Within 48 Hours:

  • Contact Attorney911—we’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence.
  • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan—gaps in care hurt your case.
  • Do NOT post on social media—insurance companies will use it against you.

✅ Long-Term:

  • Keep all medical records and bills (hospital visits, prescriptions, therapy).
  • Document lost wages (pay stubs, employer statements).
  • Track pain and suffering (journal entries about daily struggles).
  • Stay in touch with your attorney—we’ll handle negotiations while you recover.

How We Prove Liability in Your Trucking Accident Case

1. FMCSA Violations (Federal Trucking Laws)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for truck drivers and companies. Common violations we uncover include:

  • Hours of Service (HOS) violations (driving beyond 11-hour limit)
  • Falsified logbooks (lying about driving time)
  • Improper maintenance (worn brakes, defective tires)
  • Unqualified drivers (no CDL, suspended license, poor training)
  • Cargo securement failures (shifting loads causing rollovers)

Violations = Negligence = Stronger Case for You

2. Black Box & ELD Data

Modern trucks have electronic control modules (ECMs) that record:

  • Speed before impact (was the driver speeding?)
  • Brake application (did the driver try to stop?)
  • Hours driven (was the driver fatigued?)
  • GPS location (was the driver off-route?)

This data is objective and tamper-proof—it doesn’t lie.

3. Trucking Company Negligence

We investigate whether the trucking company:
Hired unsafe drivers (prior accidents, DUIs, poor records)
Failed to train drivers (no safety protocols, no fatigue management)
Ignored maintenance (skipped inspections, deferred repairs)
Encouraged HOS violations (pressured drivers to meet deadlines)

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages & earning capacity (if you can’t work)
  • Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
  • Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, prosthetics)
  • Home modifications (wheelchair ramps, medical equipment)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

  • Physical pain & emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement & permanent disability
  • Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

If the trucking company recklessly endangered lives (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations), we may pursue punitive damages to punish their misconduct.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cottle County Trucking Accident Case?

✅ 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998—securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for victims across Texas.

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers operate—and now he fights for YOU.

✅ We Handle Cases Against Major Trucking Companies

We’ve gone up against:

  • Walmart
  • Amazon
  • FedEx
  • UPS
  • Coca-Cola
  • Swift Transportation
  • Werner Enterprises

✅ No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning:

  • No upfront costs
  • No hourly fees
  • You pay NOTHING unless we win your case

✅ We Travel to Cottle County

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Cottle County. We’ll meet with you in person or remotely—whatever works best for you.

✅ Hablamos Español

Our team includes bilingual attorneys and staff to serve Cottle County’s Spanish-speaking community.

Cottle County Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, here are some of our documented trucking accident settlements and verdicts:

Case Type Injury Settlement/Verdict
Logging Truck Accident Traumatic Brain Injury + Vision Loss $5+ Million
Car Accident + Medical Complication Partial Leg Amputation (staph infection) $3.8+ Million
Maritime/Jones Act Back Injury (lifting cargo) $2+ Million
Commercial Trucking Truck Crash Recovery $2.5+ Million
Trucking Wrongful Death Fatal 18-Wheeler Accident Millions (multiple cases)

Our goal is to maximize your recovery—just like we’ve done for countless other Texas families.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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

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

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

“Ralph reached out personally—I knew this was the firm for me.”
Dame Haskett

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Donald Wilcox

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cottle County

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, evidence disappears fast—so contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation—as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. We’ll investigate thoroughly to prove the truck driver’s negligence.

3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but factors include:

  • Severity of injuries (TBI, paralysis, etc.)
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages & earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of negligence (FMCSA violations, spoliation, etc.)

We’ve recovered millions for clients—let us fight for your maximum compensation.

4. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re willing to fight—which leads to better settlements.

5. What if the trucking company is out of business?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, we can still pursue compensation from:

  • Their insurance company
  • Other liable parties (cargo loaders, maintenance providers, brokers)
  • Your own UM/UIM coverage (if applicable)

6. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes! Under Texas comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

7. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable for:

  • Negligent hiring (failing to check their safety record)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor their compliance)
  • Vicarious liability (if they controlled the driver’s work)

8. How long does a trucking accident case take?

  • Simple cases: 6–12 months
  • Complex cases (severe injuries, multiple defendants): 1–3 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

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

9. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can connect you with attorney-approved doctors who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP)—meaning they get paid from your settlement, not upfront.

10. How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you only pay if we win your case. Our fee comes from your settlement, not your pocket.

Cottle County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

  • Cottle County Medical Center (Paducah, TX)
  • Childress Regional Medical Center (Childress, TX – nearest Level IV trauma center)

Texas DOT & Crash Reporting

Trucking Corridors in Cottle County

  • US-83 (North-South corridor)
  • US-70 (East-West corridor)
  • FM 1031, FM 1440 (Local freight routes)

Call Attorney911 Now – 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Cottle County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing, and the trucking company’s lawyers are already working to minimize your claim.

We offer:
Free consultations (no obligation)
No upfront fees (contingency basis)
24/7 availability (we answer calls immediately)
Aggressive representation (we fight for maximum compensation)

Don’t wait—call 1-888-ATTY-911 now or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

Hablamos Español

Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado en un accidente de camión en el condado de Cottle, llámenos al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita. Nuestro equipo habla español y luchará por la compensación que merece.

Attorney911 – Fighting for Justice in Cottle County
📍 Serving Paducah, Hackberry, and all of Cottle County, Texas
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
🌐 www.attorney911.com

The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. 🚛⚖️

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