18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers in City of Lancaster, TX

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

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking collision on I-20, I-35, or any of City of Lancaster’s busy highways, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team that knows how to fight back against trucking companies and their insurance giants.

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 victims of catastrophic truck crashes. And with Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, on your side, you’ll have an insider who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize your claim—and how to stop them.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different (And Deadlier)

The Physics of a Truck Crash: Why These Accidents Are Always Catastrophic

When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a 3,500-pound passenger car, the results are devastating. Here’s why:

• 20-25x Weight Difference: A fully loaded truck carries 20-25 times the weight of your car. That means the force of impact is exponentially greater.
• 525-Foot Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs 525 feet (nearly two football fields) to stop—40% longer than a car.
• High Center of Gravity: Trucks are prone to rollovers, especially when taking curves too fast or with improperly secured cargo.
• Massive Blind Spots: Trucks have four “No-Zones” where drivers can’t see smaller vehicles—making lane changes and turns extremely dangerous.
• Underride Risks: If a car slides under a trailer, the top of the vehicle can be sheared off, often resulting in decapitation or fatal head injuries.

The bottom line? Trucking accidents aren’t just “big car accidents.” They’re life-altering events that require specialized legal expertise to navigate.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in City of Lancaster (And How They Happen)

City of Lancaster’s highways—I-20, I-35, and the surrounding freight corridors—see heavy truck traffic daily. Some of the most dangerous trucking accidents we’ve handled include:

1. Jackknife Accidents – The Highway Nightmare

What Happens: The trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, blocking multiple lanes and causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (yes, even in Texas)
• Speeding on curves (especially near I-20 and I-35 interchanges)
• Empty or improperly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Common Injuries:
✔ Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
✔ Spinal cord damage & paralysis
✔ Multiple fractures & crush injuries
✔ Wrongful death

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.48 (Brake System Malfunction)

2. Underride Collisions – The Deadliest Truck Crash

What Happens: A smaller vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Two Types of Underride Crashes:

• Rear Underride: When a truck stops suddenly, and a car slams into the back of the trailer.
• Side Underride: When a truck turns or changes lanes, and a car slides under the side of the trailer.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Missing or defective underride guards (required by 49 CFR § 393.86)
• Poor visibility at night or in bad weather
• Trucks making wide right turns across multiple lanes
• Sudden stops in highway construction zones

Common Injuries:
✔ Decapitation (in severe cases)
✔ Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
✔ Spinal cord severance & paralysis
✔ Fatal internal injuries

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.86 (Missing/Defective Underride Guards)

3. Rollover Accidents – When Cargo Becomes Deadly

What Happens: The truck tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo and causing secondary crashes.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Speeding on highway on-ramps and curves (common on I-20 exit ramps)
• Improperly secured or unbalanced cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Sudden steering maneuvers (like swerving to avoid debris)
• High winds on open stretches of I-35

Common Injuries:
✔ Crushing injuries from falling cargo
✔ Burns from fuel fires
✔ TBI from impact with the cab or trailer
✔ Spinal cord damage & paralysis

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.100 (Cargo Securement Failures)

4. Rear-End Collisions – The “Fender Bender” That Kills

What Happens: A truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the back of a car, often with catastrophic force.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Driver fatigue (HOS violations)
• Speeding in heavy traffic (common on I-20 during rush hour)

Common Injuries:
✔ Whiplash & severe neck injuries
✔ Spinal cord damage (herniated discs, paralysis)
✔ Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
✔ Internal organ damage (liver, spleen, kidneys)
✔ Fatalities (especially in high-speed crashes)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 392.11 (Following Too Closely)

5. Wide Turn Accidents – The “Squeeze Play” That Crushes Cars

What Happens: A truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, creating a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Failure to signal properly
• Inadequate mirror checks (violating 49 CFR § 392.80)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Poor intersection design (common in older parts of City of Lancaster)

Common Injuries:
✔ Crush injuries (especially to pedestrians & cyclists)
✔ Traumatic amputations
✔ TBI & spinal cord damage
✔ Wrongful death

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 392.2 (Failure to Obey Traffic Signals)

6. Blind Spot Accidents – The “No-Zone” Nightmare

What Happens: A truck changes lanes or turns without seeing a vehicle in its massive blind spots, causing a sideswipe or crushing collision.

The Four “No-Zones” Every Driver Should Know:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet in front of the cab (truck can’t see low vehicles)
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer (no rear-view mirror visibility)
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the driver’s door back (smaller than right side)
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the passenger door back (LARGEST blind spot—most dangerous)

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted mirrors (violating 49 CFR § 393.80)
• Driver distraction (phone, GPS, dispatch)
• Highway congestion (common on I-35 during rush hour)

Common Injuries:
✔ Sideswipe injuries (loss of control, rollovers)
✔ Crush injuries (when trapped between truck and barrier)
✔ TBI & spinal cord damage
✔ Fatalities (especially in high-speed crashes)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.80 (Mirror Adjustment Failures)

7. Tire Blowouts – When Rubber Becomes a Deadly Weapon

What Happens: A tire suddenly fails, causing the driver to lose control and debris to fly into other vehicles.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Underinflated tires (leading cause of blowouts)
• Overloaded trucks (exceeding tire capacity)
• Worn or aging tires (not replaced in time)
• Road debris (common on highway construction zones)
• Manufacturing defects (recalls not addressed)

Common Injuries:
✔ Loss of control crashes (jackknifes, rollovers)
✔ Debris strikes (windshield impacts, loss of control)
✔ TBI from impact with road
✔ Fatalities (especially in high-speed crashes)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.75 (Tire Tread Depth & Condition)

8. Brake Failures – The Invisible Killer on City of Lancaster’s Highways

What Happens: A truck’s brakes fail or underperform, preventing the driver from stopping in time.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Worn brake pads/shoes (not replaced)
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks (common in older trucks)
• Overheated brakes (brake fade on long descents)
• Deferred maintenance (to save costs)

Common Injuries:
✔ Severe rear-end collisions (TBI, spinal cord damage)
✔ Multi-vehicle pileups (especially on I-20 and I-35)
✔ Burns from fuel fires
✔ Fatalities (especially in high-speed crashes)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.48 (Brake System Deficiencies)

9. Cargo Spill & Shift Accidents – When Loads Become Deadly

What Happens: Improperly secured cargo falls onto the roadway or shifts during transit, causing the truck to lose control.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Inadequate tiedowns (not enough or wrong type)
• Improper loading (unbalanced weight distribution)
• Failure to use blocking/bracing
• Overloading (exceeding securement capacity)
• Loose tarps (allowing cargo to shift)

Common Injuries:
✔ Vehicles struck by falling cargo
✔ Chain-reaction crashes from spilled loads
✔ Hazmat exposure (chemical burns, toxic inhalation)
✔ Rollover injuries (when cargo shifts suddenly)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (Cargo Securement Violations)

10. Head-On Collisions – The Most Violent Truck Crash

What Happens: A truck crosses into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision—often fatal even at moderate speeds.

Why They Happen in City of Lancaster:

• Driver fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel)
• Driver distraction (phone, GPS, dispatch)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Medical emergencies (heart attack, seizure)
• Wrong-way entry (onto divided highways)
• Overcorrection (after running off the road)

Common Injuries:
✔ Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding)
✔ Amputations
✔ Severe burns (from fuel fires)
✔ Wrongful death (fatalities are extremely common)

FMCSA Violation Often Found: 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service Violations)

Who’s Really Responsible? The 10 Parties We Hold Accountable in Trucking Accidents

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties—each with their own insurance policies. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver – More Than Just a “Bad Driver”

The driver may be liable for:
✔ Speeding or reckless driving
✔ Distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications)
✔ Fatigued driving (HOS violations)
✔ Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
✔ Failure to inspect (pre-trip/post-trip violations)

Evidence We Pursue:

• Driver’s driving record (previous violations)
• ELD data (hours of service compliance)
• Cell phone records (distraction evidence)
• Drug & alcohol test results
• Training records (inadequate preparation)

2. The Trucking Company – Where the Real Money Is

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets (highest insurance limits).

Bases for Trucking Company Liability:

A. Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior)

• The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when the accident occurred

B. Direct Negligence (The Big Money Claims)

1. Negligent Hiring – Failed to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
2. Negligent Training – Inadequate safety training on HOS, cargo securement, or defensive driving
3. Negligent Supervision – Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance, or safety violations
4. Negligent Maintenance – Failed to maintain the truck in safe condition
5. Negligent Scheduling – Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

Evidence We Pursue:

• Driver Qualification File (or lack thereof)
• Hiring policies & background checks
• Training records & curricula
• Dispatch logs (showing schedule pressure)
• Maintenance records (deferred repairs)
• CSA scores (safety violation history)
• Previous accident reports

Insurance Implications:

• Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5,000,000+ in liability coverage
• This is 10-100x higher than typical auto insurance
• Makes them the primary target for maximum recovery

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper – The Hidden Defendant

The company that owned the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:
✔ Improper loading instructions (causing instability)
✔ Failure to disclose hazardous materials
✔ Requiring overweight loading (exceeding weight limits)
✔ Pressuring the carrier to expedite (leading to HOS violations)

Evidence We Pursue:

• Shipping contracts & bills of lading
• Loading instructions provided to the carrier
• Hazmat disclosure documentation
• Weight certification records

4. The Cargo Loading Company – When Improper Loading Kills

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:
✔ Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR 393.100-136)
✔ Unbalanced load distribution (causing rollovers)
✔ Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
✔ Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
✔ Not training loaders on securement requirements

Evidence We Pursue:

• Loading company securement procedures
• Loader training records
• Securement equipment used
• Weight distribution documentation

5. The Truck & Trailer Manufacturer – When Defects Cause Crashes

The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for:
✔ Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
✔ Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
✔ Failure to warn of known dangers
✔ Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Evidence We Pursue:

• Recall notices & technical service bulletins
• Similar defect complaints (NHTSA database)
• Design specifications & testing records
• Component failure analysis

6. The Parts Manufacturer – When Defective Components Fail

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:
✔ Defective brakes or brake components
✔ Defective tires (causing blowouts)
✔ Defective steering mechanisms
✔ Defective lighting components
✔ Defective coupling devices

Evidence We Pursue:

• Failed component for expert analysis
• Recall history for specific parts
• Similar failure patterns
• Manufacturing & quality control records

7. The Maintenance Company – When Negligent Repairs Cause Crashes

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:
✔ Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
✔ Failure to identify critical safety issues
✔ Improper brake adjustments
✔ Using substandard or wrong parts
✔ Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Evidence We Pursue:

• Maintenance work orders
• Mechanic qualifications & training
• Parts used in repairs
• Inspection reports & recommendations

8. The Freight Broker – When They Choose Dangerous Carriers

Freight brokers (companies that arrange transportation but don’t own trucks) may be liable for:
✔ Negligent selection of a carrier with a poor safety record
✔ Failure to verify carrier insurance & authority
✔ Failure to check carrier CSA scores
✔ Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Evidence We Pursue:

• Broker-carrier agreements
• Carrier selection criteria
• Carrier safety record at time of selection
• Broker’s due diligence procedures

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier) – When Ownership Creates Liability

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:
✔ Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
✔ Failure to maintain owned equipment
✔ Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness

Evidence We Pursue:

• Lease agreements
• Maintenance responsibility allocations
• Owner’s knowledge of driver history

10. Government Entities – When Roads Are the Problem

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:
✔ Dangerous road design (inadequate banking, poor signage)
✔ Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
✔ Inadequate signage for known hazards
✔ Failure to install safety barriers
✔ Improper work zone setup

Special Considerations:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability
• Strict notice requirements and short deadlines
• Must prove actual notice of the dangerous condition

Evidence We Pursue:

• Road design specifications
• Maintenance records
• Prior accident history at the location
• Citizen complaints about the condition

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Is Your Enemy

Evidence Disappears Fast—And Trucking Companies Know It

Within hours of a trucking accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action—not to help you, but to protect their own interests. They know that critical evidence can be destroyed, overwritten, or “lost” if you don’t act fast.

At Attorney911, we move immediately to preserve evidence before it’s too late.

The Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours (Or Less)

Our Immediate Response Protocol

Phase 1: The First 24 Hours (Emergency Preservation)

✅ Send Spoliation Letters – Formal legal notice to all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence.
✅ Demand ECM/ELD Data Download – Black box and electronic log data must be immediately preserved.
✅ Secure Physical Evidence – Photograph the truck, trailer, and accident scene before anything is moved.
✅ Obtain Police Crash Report – Critical for establishing initial liability findings.
✅ Identify Witnesses – Get names, phone numbers, and statements before memories fade.

Phase 2: Days 1-7 (Evidence Gathering)

✅ Subpoena ELD Data – Hours of service records proving fatigue or HOS violations.
✅ Obtain Driver Qualification File – Employment application, background check, medical certification, training records.
✅ Demand Maintenance Records – Brake inspections, tire replacements, repair history.
✅ Secure Cell Phone Records – Proving distracted driving.
✅ Canvass for Surveillance Video – Nearby businesses, traffic cameras, dashcams.
✅ Hire Accident Reconstruction Expert – Analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, ECM data.

Phase 3: Days 7-30 (Full Investigation)

✅ Depose the Driver – Question under oath about actions before the crash.
✅ Depose the Safety Director – Question about hiring, training, and supervision practices.
✅ Inspect the Truck & Trailer – For mechanical defects, brake condition, cargo securement.
✅ Analyze CSA Scores – Carrier’s safety violation history.
✅ Review Dispatch Records – Looking for schedule pressure or HOS violations.

What Happens If Evidence Is Destroyed? (Spoliation)

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, we can ask the court to:
✔ Instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable
✔ Impose monetary sanctions against the trucking company
✔ Enter default judgment in extreme cases
✔ Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

This is why we act FAST. The sooner we send the spoliation letter, the harder it is for the trucking company to claim “accidental” destruction.

The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Lives Forever

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Always Medical Emergencies

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 3,500-pound car, the injuries are never minor. Even “low-speed” crashes can cause life-altering trauma.

At Attorney911, we’ve represented victims of every type of catastrophic injury—and we know how to fight for the compensation they deserve.

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – The Invisible Disaster

What It Is: Damage to the brain caused by sudden trauma, often from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.

Severity Levels:

Common Symptoms:
✔ Persistent headaches & dizziness
✔ Memory loss & confusion
✔ Difficulty concentrating
✔ Mood swings, depression, anxiety
✔ Sleep disturbances
✔ Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
✔ Speech difficulties
✔ Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment (inability to work, manage finances)
• Increased risk of dementia & Alzheimer’s
• Depression & emotional disorders
• Need for lifelong care & supervision

How We Prove TBI in Your Case:

• Neurological exams (MRI, CT scans)
• Neuropsychological testing (cognitive function)
• Vocational expert testimony (lost earning capacity)
• Life care planning (future medical needs)

2. Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis – When Movement Is Taken Away

What It Is: Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Level of Injury Matters:

• C1-C4 (High Cervical): May require ventilator for breathing
• C5-C8 (Low Cervical): Affects arms and hands
• Thoracic (T1-T12): Affects trunk and legs (paraplegia)
• Lumbar (L1-L5): Affects hips and legs (may retain some function)
• Sacral (S1-S5): Affects bowel, bladder, and sexual function

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Initial hospitalization & surgery: $100,000 – $500,000
• Rehabilitation: $50,000 – $200,000
• Home modifications: $50,000 – $200,000
• Medical equipment: $50,000 – $500,000
• Ongoing care: $50,000 – $200,000 per year
• Lost wages & earning capacity: $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+

How We Prove Spinal Cord Injury in Your Case:

• MRI & CT scans (showing spinal cord damage)
• Neurological exams (testing sensation and movement)
• Vocational expert testimony (lost earning capacity)
• Life care planning (future medical needs)

3. Amputation – When a Limb Is Lost in an Instant

What It Is: The loss of a limb due to trauma at the scene or surgical removal after severe damage.

Types of Amputation:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in 18-Wheeler Accidents Due To:
✔ Crushing forces from truck impact
✔ Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
✔ Severe burns requiring surgical removal
✔ Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery & hospitalization: $50,000 – $200,000
• Prosthetic limbs: $5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic
• Replacement prosthetics (every 3-5 years)
• Physical therapy & rehabilitation: $50,000 – $200,000
• Occupational therapy (learning to use prosthetics)
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications (wheelchair accessibility)

Impact on Life:

• Permanent disability (inability to work in many jobs)
• Phantom limb pain (chronic pain in missing limb)
• Body image & psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications
• Dependency on others for daily activities

How We Prove Amputation in Your Case:

• Medical records (showing necessity of amputation)
• Prosthetic expert testimony (future needs)
• Vocational expert testimony (lost earning capacity)
• Life care planning (future medical costs)

4. Severe Burns – The Agony of Fire and Chemicals

How Burns Occur in 18-Wheeler Accidents:
✔ Fuel tank rupture & fire (common in rollovers)
✔ Hazmat cargo spills & ignition (chemical burns)
✔ Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
✔ Friction burns from road contact
✔ Chemical exposure from hazmat loads

Burn Classification:

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent scarring & disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures (painful and lengthy)
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, depression)

Lifetime Costs:

• Initial hospitalization: $200,000 – $1,000,000+
• Skin grafts & surgeries: $50,000 – $500,000+
• Rehabilitation: $50,000 – $200,000
• Pain management: $20,000 – $100,000 per year
• Psychological counseling: $10,000 – $50,000

How We Prove Burn Injuries in Your Case:

• Medical records (showing degree of burns)
• Photographic evidence (before/after treatment)
• Burn specialist testimony (future treatment needs)
• Life care planning (future medical costs)

5. Internal Organ Damage – The Silent Killer

Common Internal Injuries in Trucking Accidents:
✔ Liver laceration or rupture (life-threatening bleeding)
✔ Spleen damage (often requires removal)
✔ Kidney damage (may require dialysis)
✔ Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
✔ Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
✔ Bowel & intestinal damage

Why Internal Injuries Are Dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

How We Prove Internal Injuries in Your Case:

• Medical imaging (CT scans, ultrasounds)
• Surgical records (showing organ damage)
• Medical expert testimony (long-term impact)

6. Wrongful Death – When a Life Is Taken Too Soon

What It Is: When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
✔ Surviving spouse
✔ Children (minor and adult)
✔ Parents (if no spouse or children)
✔ Estate representative

Types of Wrongful Death Claims:

1. Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
2. Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain and suffering before death

Damages Available in Texas Wrongful Death Cases:
✔ Lost future income & benefits
✔ Loss of consortium (spousal companionship & relationship)
✔ Loss of parental guidance & nurturing (for surviving children)
✔ Mental anguish & emotional distress
✔ Funeral & burial expenses
✔ Medical expenses incurred before death
✔ Pain & suffering experienced by the decedent before death
✔ Punitive damages (if gross negligence or malice)

Texas Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death:
⏳ 2 years from the date of death to file a lawsuit

How We Prove Wrongful Death in Your Case:

• Autopsy reports (cause of death)
• Medical records (showing injuries before death)
• Economic expert testimony (lost future income)
• Vocational expert testimony (decedent’s earning capacity)
• Psychological expert testimony (impact on family)

How Much Is Your Trucking Accident Case Worth?

The Truth About Trucking Accident Settlements

Unlike car accidents, trucking accident cases have the potential for massive settlements and verdicts—because:

✅ Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5,000,000+ in insurance
✅ Catastrophic injuries require lifelong care
✅ Juries are outraged by trucking company negligence
✅ “Nuclear verdicts” (over $10 million) are becoming more common

What Factors Determine Your Case Value?

Trucking Accident Settlement & Verdict Ranges

Recent Trucking Verdicts & Settlements (Nationwide)

What These Verdicts Mean for Your Case:
Juries are angry at trucking companies that prioritize profit over safety. When we prove gross negligence (falsified logs, HOS violations, negligent hiring), the compensation can be astronomical.

The Insurance Battle: How Trucking Companies Try to Cheat You

The Truth About Trucking Insurance Companies

Trucking companies don’t pay claims out of the goodness of their hearts—they pay because lawyers force them to.

And they fight dirty.

At Attorney911, we have a secret weapon: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how they try to minimize your claim—because he used to do it himself.

The 10 Insurance Tactics They’ll Use Against You

Why You Need a Lawyer Who Knows Their Tricks

Most personal injury lawyers don’t understand trucking cases.

They treat them like car accidents—and that’s a costly mistake.

At Attorney911, we know:
✅ How to read ELD and ECM data to prove HOS violations
✅ How to subpoena driver qualification files to show negligent hiring
✅ How to analyze maintenance records to prove deferred repairs
✅ How to depose truck drivers and safety directors to expose lies
✅ How to negotiate with trucking insurers from a position of strength

We don’t just fight insurance companies—we outsmart them.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in City of Lancaster, TX

Step 1: Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)

✅ Call 911 immediately – A police report is critical evidence.
✅ Go to the hospital or urgent care – Many injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms right away.
✅ Follow all medical advice – Insurance companies will use gaps in treatment against you.

Step 2: Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

✅ Take photos of:

• All vehicle damage (inside and out)
• The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name
• Skid marks, debris, road conditions
• Your injuries
• Traffic signs and signals
  ✅ Get witness information (names, phone numbers)
  ✅ Write down everything you remember (weather, traffic, what the truck driver said)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

❌ Do NOT give a recorded statement – Anything you say will be used against you.
❌ Do NOT sign anything – Insurance companies will try to get you to sign away your rights.
❌ Do NOT accept a settlement offer – First offers are always lowball.

Step 4: Call Attorney911 Immediately

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7)

We will:
✅ Send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence
✅ Demand ECM/ELD data before it’s overwritten
✅ Investigate the trucking company’s safety record
✅ Handle all communication with insurance companies
✅ **Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Lancaster Trucking Accident Case?

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists (Not Just Personal Injury Lawyers)

✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Multi-million dollar verdicts & settlements for trucking accident victims
✅ Federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on staff (knows their tricks)
✅ Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)

We don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them.

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm—before he switched sides to fight for victims like you.

He knows:
✅ How insurance companies evaluate claims
✅ How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
✅ What makes them settle (and what makes them fight)
✅ How they deny claims
✅ The claims valuation software they use (Colossus, etc.)

Now he uses that knowledge to fight for YOU.

3. We’ve Fought (And Beaten) the Biggest Trucking Companies

We’ve taken on:
✅ Walmart (trucking operations)
✅ Coca-Cola (distribution vehicles)
✅ Amazon (delivery trucks)
✅ FedEx (ground and air freight)
✅ UPS (package delivery)
✅ Swift Transportation (one of the largest carriers in the U.S.)
✅ Werner Enterprises (major national carrier)

We know how they operate—and how to beat them.

4. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial (And Insurance Companies Know It)

✅ Most personal injury lawyers settle every case—because they’re afraid of trial.
✅ We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because we’re not afraid to fight.

Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services (Hablamos Español)

Many trucking accident victims in City of Lancaster speak Spanish as their primary language.

At Attorney911, we offer fluent Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

✅ No upfront costs
✅ No hourly fees
✅ No risk to you

We only get paid if we win your case.

7. We Have Offices Across Texas (And Can Help Anywhere in the U.S.)

Even if you’re not near our offices, we can help. Our federal court experience means we can represent you anywhere in the U.S.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“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

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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents in City of Lancaster, TX

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in City of Lancaster?

✅ Call 911 (even if injuries seem minor)
✅ Seek medical attention (many injuries aren’t immediately apparent)
✅ Document the scene (photos, witness info)
✅ Get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information
✅ Do NOT give a statement to the insurance company
✅ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

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

⏳ 2 years from the date of the accident (Texas statute of limitations for personal injury)

But don’t wait! Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

3. Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:
✔ The truck driver
✔ The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision)
✔ The cargo owner/shipper
✔ The cargo loading company
✔ The truck or parts manufacturer (if defective)
✔ The maintenance company
✔ The freight broker
✔ The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
✔ Government entities (if road defects contributed)

4. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on:
✔ Severity of injuries (catastrophic injuries = higher value)
✔ Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
✔ Lost wages & earning capacity
✔ Pain and suffering
✔ Degree of defendant’s negligence (gross negligence = higher punitive damages)
✔ Insurance coverage available (trucking companies carry millions)

We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims—let us fight for you.

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system:
✔ If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
✔ If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. We’ll gather ECM data, ELD records, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to build your case.

6. What if the trucking company tries to destroy evidence?

We send spoliation letters immediately to demand preservation of all evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court to:
✔ Instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable
✔ Impose monetary sanctions
✔ Enter default judgment in extreme cases

7. How long will my trucking accident case take?

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.

8. Will my 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.

9. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies always offer less than your case is worth—especially in the early stages when you don’t yet know the full extent of your injuries.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call Attorney911 Now – Before Evidence Disappears

Every Hour Counts After a Trucking Accident

⏳ ECM/Black Box Data can be overwritten in 30 days
⏳ ELD Data may be retained for only 6 months
⏳ Dashcam Footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
⏳ Witness Memory fades within weeks
⏳ Physical Evidence can be repaired, sold, or scrapped

We Answer 24/7 – Call Now for a Free Consultation

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Or visit us online at Attorney911.com

You Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life in an instant, you need a legal team that fights back harder.

At Attorney911, we have:
✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Multi-million dollar verdicts & settlements
✅ A former insurance defense attorney who knows their tricks
✅ The resources to take on the biggest trucking companies
✅ The determination to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 – The Firm Insurers Fear.