18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Dalhart, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Dalhart’s highways, your life is forever altered. One second you’re driving to work on US-87 or US-385, the next you’re facing a lifetime of medical bills, lost income, and physical pain that never seems to end. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests – shouldn’t you have the same powerful representation fighting for yours?

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding negligent trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents across Texas. When you call us, you’re getting more than just a Dalhart trucking accident lawyer – you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you.

Why Dalhart’s Highways Are Especially Dangerous

Dalhart sits at the crossroads of two major trucking corridors that see heavy commercial traffic year-round:

US-87: The primary north-south route connecting Amarillo to Raton, New Mexico, carrying everything from agricultural products to oilfield equipment
US-385: Running east-west from Dalhart to Dumas and beyond, this highway serves as a critical link for freight moving between Texas and Colorado
US-54: Connecting to Texline and the New Mexico border, this route handles significant livestock and produce shipments

The vast open spaces of the Texas Panhandle create unique challenges for truck drivers. Long stretches of straight highway can lead to fatigue and distraction. The area’s unpredictable weather – from sudden blizzards to high winds that can blow high-profile trailers off course – adds another layer of danger. And the agricultural and oilfield industries that drive Dalhart’s economy create specialized trucking needs that require experienced drivers.

When these factors combine with trucking companies that cut corners on safety, the results can be catastrophic. We’ve seen it all in Dalhart and the surrounding communities of Hartley, Texline, and Stratford – rollovers on icy roads, rear-end collisions from fatigued drivers, jackknife accidents when trucks brake too hard on wet pavement.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Dalhart Trucking Accidents

The physics of a collision between an 80,000-pound truck and your 4,000-pound sedan don’t lie. The injuries we see in Dalhart trucking accidents are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injuries: The violent forces of a truck crash can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes that may last a lifetime
Spinal Cord Damage: Paralysis from the waist down (paraplegia) or from the neck down (quadriplegia) often results from trucking accidents, requiring millions in lifetime care
Amputations: Crushing injuries may require surgical removal of limbs, or limbs may be severed at the scene
Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures can cause fires that engulf vehicles, leading to disfiguring burns that require multiple skin graft surgeries
Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can rupture organs, causing internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent
Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident proves fatal, we help surviving family members pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for their loss

These aren’t just statistics – they’re real Dalhart families whose lives we’ve helped rebuild after trucking companies failed to prioritize safety.

How Trucking Companies Cut Corners That Lead to Accidents

Trucking companies are under constant pressure to deliver goods faster and cheaper. Too often, this leads to dangerous shortcuts that put everyone on Dalhart’s roads at risk:

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
Weekly limits of 60 or 70 hours depending on the schedule

Yet we routinely find drivers who:

Falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records
Drive well beyond the 11-hour limit to meet delivery deadlines
Skip required breaks to make up time
Work multiple jobs, leaving no time for proper rest

When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, judgment becomes impaired, and accidents become inevitable. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that fatigue is a factor in 13% of all large truck crashes.

Negligent Hiring and Training

Trucking companies are required to maintain complete Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) that include:

Employment application with driving history
Motor vehicle record from state licensing agency
Road test certificate or equivalent
Medical examiner’s certificate
Annual driving record review
Previous employer inquiries (3 years)

We’ve uncovered cases where trucking companies:

Hired drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs
Failed to verify previous employment history
Ignored records of previous accidents or violations
Skipped required drug and alcohol testing
Provided inadequate training on safety procedures

One of our clients was injured when a truck driver with a suspended license caused a crash on US-87. The trucking company had failed to check his driving record before putting him behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3). Yet we frequently find:

Worn brakes that fail to stop in time
Bald tires that blow out on the highway
Faulty lighting that makes trucks invisible at night
Defective coupling devices that cause trailers to detach
Inadequate cargo securement that leads to spills

In one case, we proved that a trucking company had ignored repeated warnings about brake problems on a truck that rear-ended our client on US-385, causing permanent spinal injuries.

Improper Cargo Loading

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require cargo to be properly secured to prevent:

Shifting that affects vehicle stability
Spilling onto the roadway
Falling from the vehicle

We’ve seen cases where:

Overloaded trucks couldn’t stop in time
Unsecured cargo shifted, causing rollovers
Improperly loaded trailers created dangerous weight imbalances
Hazardous materials spilled, creating additional dangers

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Accident Cases

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. The trucking company’s rapid-response team arrives at the scene to protect their interests – not yours. That’s why you need to call us immediately after a trucking accident in Dalhart.

We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve critical evidence, including:

Electronic Data That Tells the Truth

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes for the moments leading up to the crash
ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
GPS Tracking Data: Shows the truck’s route, speed, and location history
Cell Phone Records: Can prove distracted driving
Dashcam Footage: May show the driver’s actions and the accident sequence

This electronic evidence is objective and tamper-resistant. It often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can prove violations of federal regulations.

Paper Records That Expose Negligence

Driver Qualification File: Shows whether the driver was properly vetted and qualified
Maintenance Records: Reveal whether the truck was properly maintained
Inspection Reports: Document pre-trip and post-trip inspections
Dispatch Records: Can show pressure to violate hours of service rules
Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Prove impairment at the time of the accident

Physical Evidence That Speaks Volumes

The Truck and Trailer: We inspect for defects and maintenance issues
Failed Components: Tires, brakes, and other parts that may have caused the crash
Cargo and Securement Devices: To prove loading violations
Accident Scene: Skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions

The Legal Process for Dalhart Trucking Accident Victims

When you hire Attorney911 after a trucking accident in Dalhart, here’s what you can expect:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve evidence before it disappears:

Send spoliation letters to the trucking company and their insurer
Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and other electronic data
Obtain police reports and witness statements
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation goes beyond what the police report shows:

Download and analyze ECM/Black Box data
Obtain and review the Driver Qualification File
Examine maintenance and inspection records
Interview witnesses
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Identify all potentially liable parties

3. Medical Treatment Coordination

We help you get the medical care you need while building your case:

Connect you with Dalhart-area medical providers
Ensure proper documentation of your injuries
Coordinate with your health insurance
Help you understand your treatment options

4. Demand Package Preparation

We prepare a comprehensive demand that includes:

Detailed description of the accident and your injuries
Medical records and bills
Documentation of lost wages
Expert reports on liability and damages
Settlement demand amount

5. Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Our former insurance defense attorney knows exactly how adjusters think:

Handle all communications with the insurance company
Counter their lowball offers with evidence of your damages
Negotiate from a position of strength
Be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

6. Litigation if Necessary

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to go to court:

File a lawsuit in Dallam County District Court
Conduct discovery to gather additional evidence
Take depositions of the driver, company representatives, and experts
Prepare your case for trial

7. Trial or Settlement

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re always prepared to go to court:

Present your case to a Dalhart jury
Cross-examine the trucking company’s witnesses
Introduce evidence of their negligence
Fight for maximum compensation

What Your Dalhart Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries
Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in your ability to earn income in the future
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, etc.
Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
Disfigurement: Scarring and visible injuries
Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer. Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of:

(2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
$200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

While every case is unique, recent verdicts demonstrate what juries are willing to award when trucking companies are held accountable:

$730 Million (Texas, 2021): Navy propeller oversize load killed a 73-year-old woman
$462 Million (Missouri, 2024): Underride accident where two men were decapitated
$160 Million (Alabama, 2024): Rollover accident that left a driver quadriplegic
$141.5 Million (Florida, 2023): Trucking accident involving a defunct carrier
$90 Million (Texas): Truck driver severely burned in an explosion
$37.5 Million (Texas, 2024): Trucking accident verdict
$35.5 Million (Texas): Family injured in a truck accident

These verdicts show that when trucking companies act with gross negligence, juries are willing to hold them fully accountable.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Dalhart Trucking Accident Case

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

While many law firms handle car accidents, we focus specifically on trucking cases. We understand:

The complex web of federal and state regulations
The unique evidence in trucking cases
The tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability
How to maximize your recovery

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies evaluate claims
How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
What makes them settle
How they try to deny claims
The claims valuation software they use

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in fighting for maximum compensation.

3. We Have 25+ Years of Experience

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

Secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
Deep familiarity with Dalhart’s trucking corridors and accident patterns

4. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Many truck drivers and accident victims in the Dalhart area speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to:

Communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients
Serve the Hispanic trucking workforce
Provide Spanish-language consultations
Avoid the need for interpreters

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

5. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that after a trucking accident, you may be facing financial hardship. That’s why:

We offer free consultations
We work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront
We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
You only pay if we win your case

6. We Have Offices Across Texas

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Dalhart. We handle trucking accident cases throughout Texas and beyond.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Dalhart

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out to the side of the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Common causes include:

Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
Speeding on curves
Empty or lightly loaded trailers
Improper braking techniques

The sweeping trailer can strike multiple vehicles, causing catastrophic injuries.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are especially common in Dalhart due to:

High winds that affect high-profile trailers
Speeding on curves and ramps
Improperly secured cargo that shifts
Overcorrection after running off the road

When a truck rolls over, it can crush vehicles beneath it or spill cargo across the highway.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the side or rear of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle.

These accidents are almost always fatal because:

The trailer’s height is above the passenger compartment
Airbags may not deploy properly
Occupants are often decapitated

Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but no federal requirement exists for side underride guards.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are especially dangerous when an 18-wheeler is involved because:

Trucks require much longer stopping distances
A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop
The weight disparity means your vehicle absorbs most of the impact

These accidents often cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks need to swing wide to complete turns, creating a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter. When the truck completes its turn, it can crush the vehicle in the gap.

These accidents are common at intersections in Dalhart, especially where trucks are turning onto or off of US-87 and US-385.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have four major blind spots (No-Zones):

Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward and is much larger than the left

When truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in their blind spots, catastrophic accidents can occur.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are especially dangerous because:

The sudden loss of control can cause the driver to swerve into other lanes
Debris from the blown tire can strike other vehicles
The truck may jackknife or roll over

Common causes include:

Underinflated tires
Overloaded vehicles
Worn or aging tires
Road debris
Manufacturing defects

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common causes include:

Worn brake pads or shoes
Improper brake adjustment
Air brake system leaks or failures
Overheated brakes on long descents
Contaminated brake fluid
Defective brake components

Cargo Spill Accidents

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

Shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
Fall from the truck, creating road hazards
Spill hazardous materials, creating additional dangers

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand specific forces, but violations are common.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Dalhart

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Dalhart, take these steps to protect your rights:

Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out – some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
Document the Scene: Take photos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Damage to your vehicle
- The truck and trailer
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
Get Information: Collect:
- The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and DOT number
- Insurance information for all parties
- Contact information for witnesses
Don’t Give Statements: Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without consulting an attorney
Call Attorney911: Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights

How Long Do You Have to File a Trucking Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. This means you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Take Advantage of You

After a trucking accident, the trucking company and their insurance carrier will:

Send rapid-response teams to the scene to protect their interests
Try to get you to give a recorded statement
Offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand your injuries
Destroy or hide evidence that could prove their negligence

You need someone on your side who knows their tactics and how to fight back. Our former insurance defense attorney knows exactly how they operate – and how to beat them at their own game.

Call Attorney911 Today for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Dalhart, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them – shouldn’t you have the same powerful representation?

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We’ll:

Evaluate your case at no cost
Explain your legal options
Send preservation letters to protect evidence
Begin building your case immediately

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win. Our team is available 24/7 to help you.

“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

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.