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O’Donnell’s Most Powerful 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Brings 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation Experience to Dawson County, Led by Ralph Manginello – Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Track Record, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Their Tactics From the Inside, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Hours of Service Violation Hunters, Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Handling Every Crash Type – Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Cargo Spills, Hazmat Incidents – With Catastrophic Injury Expertise for TBI, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputations, and Wrongful Death Claims, Federal Court Admitted for Interstate Trucking Cases, $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, 4.9★ Google Rating (251+ Reviews), Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices Serving O’Donnell and Beyond – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now for Compassionate, Aggressive Representation That Trucking Companies Fear

February 11, 2026 31 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in O’Donnell, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on O’Donnell’s highways, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across West Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges O’Donnell families face after these devastating crashes.

Why O’Donnell Trucking Accidents Are Different

O’Donnell sits at the crossroads of several critical trucking corridors that serve the West Texas oilfields, agricultural operations, and distribution networks. Our location on US Highway 87 and proximity to major routes like I-20 and US Highway 84 creates unique risks:

  • Oilfield trucking traffic from nearby Permian Basin operations
  • Agricultural haulers transporting cotton, grain, and livestock
  • Long-haul drivers passing through on cross-country routes
  • Local distribution serving O’Donnell’s businesses and residents

The combination of heavy truck traffic, rural road conditions, and the pressures of tight delivery schedules creates a dangerous environment where accidents are more likely to occur.

Common Causes of O’Donnell 18-Wheeler Accidents

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

One of the most common causes of trucking accidents in O’Donnell is driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates how long truck drivers can operate:

  • 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour on-duty window – cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour
  • 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour weekly limits – 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Despite these regulations, we frequently find that O’Donnell trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to hours of service violations. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now record this data automatically, making it harder for companies to hide violations.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

O’Donnell’s dusty roads and temperature extremes take a toll on truck equipment. Common maintenance issues we see include:

  • Brake failures – responsible for 29% of all truck accidents
  • Tire blowouts – especially dangerous in West Texas heat
  • Lighting failures – critical on rural roads with limited visibility
  • Cargo securement failures – can cause rollovers or spills

49 CFR § 396.3 requires motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, distracted and impaired driving remains a serious problem among commercial drivers:

  • Mobile phone use – 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held phone use while driving
  • Dispatch communications – drivers often use in-cab computers while moving
  • Drug and alcohol use – 49 CFR § 392.4/5 prohibits driving under the influence
  • Fatigue-related distraction – tired drivers have slower reaction times

Improper Loading and Cargo Issues

Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable, especially on O’Donnell’s rural roads with uneven surfaces. Common cargo-related issues include:

  • Overweight loads – exceeding 80,000 pound federal limit
  • Unbalanced loads – causing instability and rollover risk
  • Improper securement – 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations
  • Hazardous material spills – creating additional dangers

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in O’Donnell

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on O’Donnell’s two-lane highways like US 87.

Common causes:

  • Sudden braking on wet or gravel surfaces
  • Speeding on curves
  • Empty or lightly loaded trailers
  • Brake system failures

Rollover Accidents

With O’Donnell’s agricultural and oilfield trucking, rollovers are a significant risk, especially when:

  • Taking curves too fast
  • Improperly loaded cargo shifts
  • Liquid cargo “sloshes” in tankers
  • Overcorrecting after tire blowouts

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the smaller vehicle.

Types:

  • Rear underride – vehicle strikes back of trailer
  • Side underride – vehicle strikes side of trailer (no federal guard requirement)

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly longer stopping distances:

  • 80,000 pound truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop (nearly two football fields)
  • Passenger car at 65 mph needs 300 feet to stop

This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly as cars, making rear-end collisions more likely.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When making right turns, truck drivers often swing wide to the left to avoid curbs and obstacles. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

18-wheelers have four major blind spots where drivers cannot see other vehicles:

  1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front of the cab
  2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind the trailer
  3. Left Side No-Zone – extends from cab door backward
  4. Right Side No-Zone – extends from cab door backward, much larger than left (MOST DANGEROUS)

Who Can Be Held Liable in an O’Donnell Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable 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)

The trucking company can be held liable through:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

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

Direct Negligence:

  • Negligent Hiring – failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
  • Negligent Training – inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision – failed to monitor driver performance and ELD compliance
  • Negligent Maintenance – failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
  • Negligent Scheduling – pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations

Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
  • Requiring overweight loading
  • Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

  • Design defects in braking systems
  • Defective stability control systems
  • Defective fuel tank placement
  • Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

  • Defective brakes or brake components
  • Defective tires causing blowouts
  • Defective steering mechanisms
  • Defective lighting components

Maintenance Company

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 wrong parts

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
  • Failure to check carrier CSA scores
  • Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

  • Negligent entrustment of vehicle
  • Failure to maintain owned equipment
  • Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

  • Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
  • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Failure to install safety barriers
  • Improper work zone setup

Critical Evidence in O’Donnell Trucking Cases

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data:

  • Speed before and during crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:

  • Driver hours of service
  • Duty status
  • GPS location history
  • Driving time

Telematics/GPS Data:

  • Real-time speed
  • Route history
  • Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)

Physical Evidence

  • Truck and trailer – before they’re repaired or scrapped
  • Failed components – tires, brakes, steering parts
  • Cargo and securement devices – to prove loading violations
  • Skid marks and debris patterns – accident reconstruction
  • Road conditions – potholes, signage, lighting

Documentary Evidence

Driver Records:

  • Driver Qualification File (DQF)
  • Employment application
  • Driving record (MVR)
  • Medical certification
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records

Company Records:

  • Hours of service records
  • Dispatch logs and trip records
  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports
  • Safety policies and procedures
  • Hiring and supervision policies

Accident Scene Evidence:

  • Police accident report
  • Photographs and videos
  • Witness statements
  • Weather and road condition reports

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Data May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. We send these within 24-48 hours of being retained.

What We Demand Preserved:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch records
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Cell phone records
  • The physical truck and trailer
  • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
  • GPS and telematics data
  • Cargo documentation

Consequences of Spoliation

Destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in:

  • Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
  • Monetary sanctions
  • Default judgment in extreme cases
  • Punitive damages for intentional destruction

Catastrophic Injuries from O’Donnell Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Severity Levels:

  • Mild (Concussion) – confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
  • Moderate – extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
  • Severe – extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Types of Paralysis:

  • Paraplegia – loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia – loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete Injury – some nerve function remains
  • Complete Injury – no nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

  • Paraplegia: $1.1 million+
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 million+

Amputation

Types:

  • Traumatic Amputation – limb severed at the scene
  • Surgical Amputation – limb so severely damaged it must be removed

Ongoing Needs:

  • Initial surgery and hospitalization
  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
  • Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Classification:

  • First Degree – epidermis only
  • Second Degree – epidermis and dermis
  • Third Degree – full thickness
  • Fourth Degree – through skin to muscle/bone

Long-Term Consequences:

  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Multiple reconstructive surgeries
  • Chronic pain
  • Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Common injuries include:

  • Liver laceration or rupture
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
  • Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, O’Donnell families can pursue wrongful death claims for:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
  • Loss of parental guidance and nurturing
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses before death
  • Pain and suffering experienced before death
  • Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Texas Trucking Accident Laws You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule:

  • If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Damage Caps

Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents, but punitive damages are limited to:

  • The greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000

Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks:

Cargo Type Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight $750,000
Oil/Petroleum $1,000,000
Large Equipment $1,000,000
Hazardous Materials $5,000,000
Passengers (16+) $5,000,000
Passengers (15 or fewer) $1,500,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

How Much Is Your O’Donnell Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Awarded when the trucking company acted with:

  • Gross negligence
  • Willful misconduct
  • Conscious indifference to safety
  • Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking cases have resulted in:

  • $730 million verdict (Landstar case, 2021)
  • $150 million settlement (Werner case, 2022)
  • $37.5 million verdict (Fort Worth case, 2024)
  • $35.5 million verdict (Texas family injury case)
  • $2.5 million truck crash recovery

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your O’Donnell Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major trucking companies.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. They’ve seen firsthand how adjusters are trained to minimize claims, and now they use that knowledge to fight for you.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD records, maintenance logs, and more.

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • FMCSA regulation experts
  • Medical experts
  • Vocational experts
  • Economic experts
  • Life care planners

Willingness to Go to Trial

While most cases settle, 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.

Spanish Language Services

O’Donnell has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in O’Donnell

At the Scene

  1. Call 911 – report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document everything – take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions
  4. Get driver and company information – name, CDL number, DOT number, insurance
  5. Collect witness information – names and contact details
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements – to any insurance company

In the Days Following

  1. Follow up with medical treatment – attend all appointments
  2. Document your injuries – keep a journal of symptoms and limitations
  3. Preserve evidence – save all accident-related documents and items
  4. Contact an experienced O’Donnell trucking accident attorney – before speaking to any insurance company

What NOT to Do

  • Don’t post on social media – insurance companies will use it against you
  • Don’t accept quick settlement offers – they’re designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
  • Don’t delay medical treatment – gaps in treatment hurt your case
  • Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – without your attorney present

Common Insurance Company Tactics and How We Counter Them

Trucking companies and their insurers use sophisticated tactics to minimize your claim. Our former insurance defense attorneys know these tactics and how to counter them:

Insurance Tactic Our Counter-Strategy
Quick Lowball Settlement Offers We never accept early offers. We calculate your full damages first.
Denying or Minimizing Injuries We obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony.
Blaming the Victim We investigate thoroughly and gather evidence disproving fault allegations.
Delaying the Claims Process We file lawsuits to force discovery and set depositions.
Using Recorded Statements Against You We advise clients NEVER to give statements without attorney present.
“Pre-Existing Condition” Defense We apply Texas “Eggshell Skull” doctrine – take plaintiff as found.
“Gap in Treatment” Attacks We document all treatment and explain gaps with medical records.
Sending Surveillance Investigators We advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance.
Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners We counter with your treating physicians and independent experts.
Drowning You in Paperwork We handle all communications and aggressively litigate to force resolution.

The Legal Process for O’Donnell Trucking Accident Cases

  1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your options
  2. Case Acceptance – We agree to represent you and send preservation letters
  3. Investigation – We gather all evidence and identify liable parties
  4. Medical Care Facilitation – We help you get the treatment you need
  5. Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
  6. Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
  7. Litigation (if needed) – We file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
  8. Trial or Settlement – We resolve your case for maximum compensation

O’Donnell Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

  • Covenant Health Plainview – 2601 Dimmitt Rd, Plainview, TX 79072
  • University Medical Center – 602 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, TX 79415
  • Covenant Medical Center – 3615 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79410
  • UMC Emergency Department – 602 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, TX 79415

Local Courts

  • Lynn County Courthouse – 101 E Main St, Tahoka, TX 79373
  • Lubbock County Courthouse – 904 Broadway St, Lubbock, TX 79401

Trucking Corridors in O’Donnell Area

  • US Highway 87 – primary north-south route through O’Donnell
  • US Highway 84 – connects to Lubbock and beyond
  • I-20 – major east-west interstate (about 60 miles north)
  • State Highway 114 – connects to nearby towns

Truck Inspection Stations

  • Lynn County Weigh Station – US 87, O’Donnell, TX
  • Lubbock Weigh Station – I-27, Lubbock, TX

Frequently Asked Questions About O’Donnell Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in O’Donnell?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get driver and company information, collect witness details, and contact an attorney immediately. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company.

Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. O’Donnell hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

What information should I collect at the accident scene?

  • Truck and trailer license plates
  • DOT number (on truck door)
  • Trucking company name and logo
  • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  • Photos of all vehicle damage
  • Photos of the accident scene and road conditions
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Witness names and phone numbers
  • Responding officer’s name and badge number

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in O’Donnell?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company/motor carrier
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

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

Usually YES. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

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

Texas uses comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. We investigate thoroughly and gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data) to 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) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data. This can show speed before the crash, brake application timing, engine RPM, and GPS location – often contradicting what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

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. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

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
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in O’Donnell?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

How long do O’Donnell 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 O’Donnell 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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

  • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
  • Inspection history and out-of-service rates
  • Crash history
  • Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do cargo spills create liability?

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating road hazards. Cargo owners and loading companies can be liable for:

  • Improper securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
  • Unbalanced loads
  • Overweight loads
  • Failure to disclose hazardous materials

What if a tire blowout caused my accident?

Tire blowouts are often caused by:

  • Underinflation
  • Overloading
  • Worn or aging tires
  • Road debris
  • Manufacturing defects

We preserve the failed tire for expert analysis and pursue claims against the trucking company, maintenance provider, and tire manufacturer.

How do brake failures get investigated?

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents. We investigate:

  • Brake inspection and maintenance records
  • Out-of-service inspection history
  • ECM data showing brake application
  • Post-crash brake system analysis
  • Mechanic work orders and parts records

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage is powerful evidence. We demand preservation of all video footage and analyze it for:

  • Driver behavior before the crash
  • Road conditions
  • Traffic signals and signs
  • Other vehicles’ actions
  • Accident sequence

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

YES. GPS and telematics data shows:

  • Truck’s route and speed
  • Location at time of accident
  • Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)
  • Hours of service compliance

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potential defendants and insurance policies to ensure recovery. Many cases involve multiple liable parties with separate insurance coverage.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to:

  • Identify all future medical needs
  • Calculate costs of future treatment
  • Project life expectancy
  • Determine present value of future expenses

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium compensates family members for:

  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of affection
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of guidance and nurturing (for children)

When are punitive damages available?

Punitive damages may be awarded when the trucking company acted with:

  • Gross negligence
  • Willful misconduct
  • Conscious indifference to safety
  • Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

How do product defects (brakes, tires) create liability?

Manufacturers can be liable for defective products that cause accidents. We investigate:

  • Design defects
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Failure to warn
  • Recall history

What if road conditions contributed to my accident?

Government entities may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design
  • Failure to maintain roads
  • Inadequate signage
  • Failure to install safety barriers
  • Improper work zone setup

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

YES. PTSD compensation is available for:

  • Flashbacks and nightmares
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Emotional distress
  • Sleep disturbances

What happens if there’s not enough insurance?

We identify all available coverage:

  • Motor carrier’s liability policy
  • Trailer interchange coverage
  • Cargo insurance
  • Owner-operator’s policy
  • Excess/umbrella coverage
  • Your own UM/UIM coverage

O’Donnell Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific O’Donnell statistics aren’t available, Texas and national data provide context:

  • 5,100+ people killed in truck crashes annually in the U.S.
  • 125,000+ people injured in truck crashes annually
  • 76% of truck crash fatalities are occupants of other vehicles
  • 11-hour driving limit is the most commonly violated FMCSA regulation
  • Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes
  • Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents in the U.S.
  • I-20 corridor (near O’Donnell) is among the most dangerous trucking routes

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in O’Donnell, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every hour, and trucking companies have teams working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our O’Donnell trucking accident attorneys offer:

  • Free case evaluation – no obligation
  • 24/7 availability – we answer calls immediately
  • Immediate evidence preservation – we send spoliation letters within hours
  • Contingency fee representation – you pay nothing unless we win
  • Spanish language services – Hablamos Español

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. With 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a former insurance defense attorney on our team, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The evidence won’t wait.

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