18-Wheeler Accidents in Yorktown, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Yorktown, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The aftermath of a trucking accident leaves victims with devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Yorktown truck accident victims for over 25 years, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Why Yorktown Trucking Accidents Are Different

Yorktown sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors, with Highway 72 and FM 119 running through the heart of our community. These routes connect to I-10 and US-87, bringing heavy commercial traffic through DeWitt County every day. The unique challenges of Yorktown trucking accidents include:

High-speed rural highway crashes where trucks travel at 70+ mph on straight stretches
Intersection collisions at busy crossings like Highway 72 and FM 119
Oil field traffic from nearby Eagle Ford Shale operations
Agricultural trucking hauling livestock, grain, and equipment
Limited emergency response in rural areas, delaying critical medical care

The physical forces involved in these crashes are staggering. An 80,000-pound 18-wheeler traveling at highway speeds carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle in a collision, the results are often catastrophic.

Common Causes of Yorktown 18-Wheeler Accidents

Our experience handling Yorktown trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes of serious accidents in our area:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers in Yorktown often face brutal schedules, especially those hauling oil field equipment or agricultural products. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates how long 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 requirement 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 routinely find violations in Yorktown cases. Drivers falsify logbooks, pressure carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines, or simply ignore the rules to make more money. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow dramatically – a fatigued driver takes 1.5 seconds longer to react than a well-rested one, which at 65 mph means traveling an additional 143 feet before even beginning to brake.

Distracted Driving in Commercial Vehicles

Distracted driving is a growing problem among Yorktown truckers. The FMCSA prohibits hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82), but we still see:

Texting while driving
Using dispatch devices
Eating or drinking while operating the vehicle
Adjusting GPS or entertainment systems
Reading paperwork or maps

A truck driver who takes their eyes off the road for just 5 seconds at 65 mph travels the length of a football field blind. In Yorktown’s rural areas, where roads may have unexpected curves or animals crossing, this distraction can be deadly.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Yorktown’s agricultural and oil field industries create unique cargo securement challenges. Improperly loaded or secured cargo causes:

Rollover accidents when liquid cargo sloshes or dry cargo shifts
Lost loads that spill onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
Jackknife accidents when cargo shifts forward, overloading the tractor
Brake failures from overweight loads

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exact securement requirements, but we frequently find violations in Yorktown cases where:

Insufficient tiedowns were used
Tiedowns were worn or damaged
Cargo wasn’t properly blocked or braced
Weight wasn’t properly distributed

Brake Failures and Maintenance Issues

Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. In Yorktown, we see frequent violations of FMCSA brake regulations (49 CFR § 393.40-55), including:

Worn brake pads or shoes
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Contaminated brake fluid
Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Yorktown’s rural roads with steep grades and sharp curves place additional stress on braking systems. When brakes fail, trucks become runaway vehicles with no way to stop.

Drug and Alcohol Violations

Despite strict FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5), we still encounter Yorktown truck drivers operating under the influence. The FMCSA prohibits:

Any detectable alcohol in the driver’s system while on duty
Alcohol use within 4 hours of driving
Any Schedule I drug use
Use of other drugs that impair driving ability

Yorktown’s proximity to major highways makes it a target for drug trafficking, and some truckers use stimulants to stay awake on long hauls. Others self-medicate with prescription drugs that impair their driving.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Yorktown Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents in Yorktown often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Yorktown trucking accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries when victims strike their heads on steering wheels, windows, or other hard surfaces. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care.

Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings and personality changes
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
Speech difficulties

Long-term consequences:

Permanent cognitive impairment
Inability to return to work
Need for 24/7 care and supervision
Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

The lifetime cost of caring for a severe TBI can exceed $3 million. At Attorney911, we work with leading neurologists and life care planners to document the full extent of these injuries and fight for maximum compensation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries from Yorktown trucking accidents often result in permanent paralysis. The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis:

Cervical injuries (C1-C8): Quadriplegia – loss of function in all four limbs
Thoracic injuries (T1-T12): Paraplegia – loss of function in the legs
Lumbar injuries (L1-L5): Partial paralysis of the legs
Sacral injuries (S1-S5): Loss of bowel/bladder control and sexual function

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation estimates the lifetime cost of caring for a quadriplegic at over $5 million. This includes medical expenses, home modifications, assistive technology, and lost wages.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

The extreme forces in Yorktown trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or crush injuries requiring surgical amputation. These injuries have profound physical and psychological impacts:

Physical challenges: Learning to use prosthetics, managing phantom limb pain, dealing with mobility limitations
Psychological trauma: Depression, anxiety, body image issues, PTSD
Career limitations: Many jobs become impossible, requiring retraining or permanent disability

Prosthetic limbs cost between $5,000 and $50,000 each and must be replaced every 3-5 years. Our team works with vocational experts to document the full impact on your earning capacity.

Severe Burns

Yorktown trucking accidents often involve fires from ruptured fuel tanks or spilled hazardous materials. Burn injuries require extensive treatment:

First-degree: Superficial burns affecting only the outer layer of skin
Second-degree: Partial thickness burns affecting both the outer and underlying layer of skin
Third-degree: Full thickness burns destroying both layers of skin and potentially underlying tissues
Fourth-degree: Burns extending through skin to muscle, tendons, or bone

Treatment may include multiple skin graft surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. The pain and scarring from severe burns can be lifelong.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces in Yorktown trucking accidents often cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent:

Liver lacerations requiring emergency surgery
Spleen injuries often requiring removal
Kidney damage potentially leading to dialysis
Lung contusions causing breathing difficulties
Internal bleeding which can be life-threatening

These injuries often require emergency surgery and extended hospital stays. Even after treatment, victims may face long-term health complications.

Wrongful Death

When Yorktown trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Under Texas law, eligible claimants include:

Surviving spouse
Children (minor and adult)
Parents of the deceased

Damages may include:

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

Who Is Liable for Your Yorktown Trucking Accident?

One of the most complex aspects of Yorktown trucking accident cases is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations (running red lights, failure to yield)

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies bear significant responsibility under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (employer liability for employee actions). They may be directly liable for:

Negligent Hiring:

Failing to conduct background checks
Hiring drivers with poor safety records
Hiring drivers without proper qualifications

Negligent Training:

Inadequate safety training
Failure to train on specific cargo types
No training on hours of service compliance

Negligent Supervision:

Failing to monitor driver performance
Ignoring hours of service violations
Not addressing safety complaints

Negligent Maintenance:

Deferred maintenance to save costs
Failure to repair known defects
Using substandard parts

Negligent Scheduling:

Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines
Requiring drivers to violate hours of service rules
Not accounting for weather or road conditions

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

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

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for design or manufacturing defects:

Brake system failures
Steering component defects
Tire defects
Underride guard failures
Stability control system defects

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

Defective brake components
Faulty tires
Defective lighting systems
Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

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

Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)

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

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

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

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

The Critical Evidence in Your Yorktown Trucking Case

Winning your Yorktown trucking accident case requires preserving and analyzing critical evidence. At Attorney911, we act immediately to secure this evidence before it disappears:

Electronic Data from the Truck

Modern commercial trucks contain sophisticated electronic systems that record valuable data:

Engine Control Module (ECM):

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing and pressure
Engine RPM and throttle position
Cruise control status
Fault codes indicating mechanical issues

Event Data Recorder (EDR):

Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration
Similar to an airplane’s “black box”
Records critical seconds before impact

Electronic Logging Device (ELD):

Driver hours of service
Duty status changes
GPS location history
Driving time and rest breaks

Telematics Systems:

Real-time GPS tracking
Speed and route history
Driver behavior monitoring

Dashcam Footage:

Video of the road ahead
Some record cab interior
May capture driver behavior

Critical Timeline:

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days
ELD data may be retained for only 6 months
Dashcam footage often deleted within 7-14 days

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this critical evidence.

Driver Records

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver, containing:

Employment application
Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
Road test certificate or equivalent
Medical examiner’s certificate
Annual driving record review
Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
Drug and alcohol test results

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every Yorktown trucking case.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

FMCSA regulations require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. We obtain:

Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
Annual inspection records
Maintenance work orders
Repair invoices
Parts purchase records
Out-of-service orders

These records often reveal deferred maintenance, known defects, and systematic safety violations.

Cargo and Loading Records

Improper cargo loading causes many Yorktown trucking accidents. We obtain:

Bills of lading
Cargo manifests
Loading instructions
Securement documentation
Weight tickets
Photos of the loaded vehicle

Drug and Alcohol Test Results

FMCSA requires pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing. We obtain:

Pre-employment test results
Random test results
Post-accident test results
Reasonable suspicion test results
Return-to-duty test results

Cell Phone and Dispatch Records

Distracted driving is a major cause of Yorktown trucking accidents. We obtain:

Cell phone records showing calls, texts, and data usage
Dispatch communications
Qualcomm or other messaging system records
GPS data showing phone location

Accident Scene Evidence

Preserving the accident scene is critical. We:

Photograph vehicle damage
Document skid marks and debris patterns
Measure road conditions and geometry
Photograph traffic controls and signage
Interview witnesses
Obtain security camera footage from nearby businesses

Expert Analysis

We work with leading experts to analyze the evidence:

Accident reconstructionists to determine how the crash occurred
Trucking safety experts to identify FMCSA violations
Medical experts to document injuries and future care needs
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts to determine present value of damages
Life care planners to develop comprehensive care plans

The Legal Process for Yorktown Trucking Accident Cases

Understanding the legal process helps you know what to expect as your Yorktown trucking accident case progresses:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to Yorktown truck accident victims. During this meeting, we’ll:

Listen to your story and answer your questions
Explain your legal rights and options
Evaluate the strength of your case
Discuss our contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless we win)

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and dashcam data
Secure the truck for inspection before repairs
Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

3. Investigation and Case Building

Our team conducts a thorough investigation:

Obtain police accident reports
Subpoena all relevant records
Analyze electronic data from the truck
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Document all injuries and medical treatment
Identify all potentially liable parties

4. Medical Treatment and Documentation

We help you get the medical care you need:

Connect you with Yorktown medical providers
Ensure proper documentation of all injuries
Work with life care planners to project future needs
Document the impact on your daily life

5. Demand Letter and Negotiation

Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we:

Prepare a comprehensive demand package
Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
Send the demand to the trucking company’s insurance
Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. This involves:

Filing the complaint in the appropriate court
Conducting discovery (interrogatories, depositions, document requests)
Retaining expert witnesses
Preparing for trial

7. Trial or Settlement

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us maximum leverage in negotiations. If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to present your case to a jury.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Yorktown Trucking Accident Case?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a devastating trucking accident in Yorktown, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and dedication to take on the trucking industry and win. Here’s why Yorktown families choose Attorney911:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. He has:

Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Handled cases against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers
Been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Litigated complex industrial accident cases, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He:

Worked for a national insurance defense firm
Knows how adjusters are trained to minimize claims
Understands the software they use to undervalue injuries
Can anticipate and counter their strategies

This insider knowledge gives our Yorktown clients a significant advantage in settlement negotiations and at trial.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for Yorktown truck accident victims, including:

$5+ million for a logging accident victim who suffered traumatic brain injury and vision loss
$3.8+ million for a car accident victim who required amputation after developing a staph infection
$2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act
$2.5+ million for truck crash victims
Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We have comprehensive knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) and know how to use violations to prove negligence:

Hours of service violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Driver qualification requirements (49 CFR Part 391)
Vehicle maintenance standards (49 CFR Part 396)
Cargo securement rules (49 CFR Part 393)
Drug and alcohol testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382)

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
Secure the truck for inspection before repairs
Obtain dashcam footage before it’s deleted
Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

Local Knowledge of Yorktown and DeWitt County

We understand the unique challenges of Yorktown trucking cases:

The specific trucking corridors serving our community
The local courts and judges
The oil field and agricultural traffic patterns
The limited emergency response resources in rural areas
The local medical providers and rehabilitation facilities

Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allows us to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. This is particularly important for Yorktown cases involving:

Trucks operating in interstate commerce
Multiple state jurisdictions
Complex federal regulations

Spanish Language Services

Yorktown’s diverse community includes many Spanish-speaking residents. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. We also have bilingual staff members to assist Spanish-speaking clients.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means:

No upfront costs or retainers
No hourly fees
We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
You never receive a bill from us
Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

Compassionate, Personalized Service

At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident takes on Yorktown families. Our team provides:

24/7 availability for emergencies
Regular case updates
Compassionate support throughout the process
Personal attention from our attorneys
Help navigating medical care and insurance issues

What to Do After a Yorktown Trucking Accident

The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a Yorktown trucking accident can significantly impact your legal case and your recovery:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

Always call 911 after a trucking accident, even if injuries seem minor. The police report will be critical evidence in your case.

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Yorktown has limited medical resources, so you may need to travel to:

Cuero Regional Hospital (20 minutes from Yorktown)
Victoria Regional Medical Center (40 minutes)
San Antonio trauma centers (1.5+ hours)

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, document everything:

Take photos of all vehicle damage
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Note weather and lighting conditions

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after the accident. They work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to give any statements and refer them to your attorney.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve this evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yorktown Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Yorktown?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. 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.

How much is my Yorktown trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – at least $750,000, and often $1-5 million or more. This allows for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Will my case go to trial?

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

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Moderate cases with disputed liability: 12-24 months
Complex cases with catastrophic injuries: 2-4 years

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

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a Yorktown trucking accident?

Yes. Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. Eligible claimants include:

Surviving spouse
Children (minor and adult)
Parents of the deceased

Damages may include lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Quick settlement offers are almost always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help you get the medical care you need:

Connect you with Yorktown medical providers
Arrange treatment on a lien basis (paid from settlement)
Help you use your health insurance
Assist with applying for medical assistance programs

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that provide additional coverage. We identify all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.

Yorktown Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Yorktown sits at the intersection of several major trucking routes that bring heavy commercial traffic through DeWitt County:

Highway 72 (Main Street)

Highway 72 runs east-west through the heart of Yorktown, connecting to:

East: Cuero (18 miles), Victoria (40 miles)
West: Nixon (15 miles), Stockdale (25 miles)

This route sees heavy traffic from:

Oil field service trucks
Agricultural equipment haulers
Livestock transporters
Local delivery vehicles

The intersection of Highway 72 and FM 119 is particularly dangerous, with frequent collisions involving trucks making wide turns or failing to yield.

Farm to Market Road 119 (FM 119)

FM 119 runs north-south through Yorktown, connecting to:

North: Nordheim (15 miles), Flatonia (30 miles)
South: Goliad (25 miles)

This route carries:

Grain trucks from local elevators
Oil field equipment
Agricultural products
Local traffic

US Highway 87

While not directly in Yorktown, US 87 is a major trucking corridor that runs:

North: Cuero (18 miles), Gonzales (40 miles)
South: Victoria (40 miles), Corpus Christi (100 miles)

This route is a primary connection to I-10 and sees heavy interstate truck traffic.

FM 682

FM 682 connects Yorktown to:

West: Nixon (10 miles)
East: Cuero (20 miles)

This route carries agricultural traffic and provides an alternate route to Highway 72.

FM 237

FM 237 runs north from Yorktown to:

North: Nordheim (12 miles)

This route sees oil field traffic and agricultural vehicles.

Local Roads and County Roads

Yorktown’s rural location means many accidents occur on local roads:

FM 108: Connects to US 87
FM 2987: Runs east-west south of Yorktown
County Road 111: Connects to FM 119
County Road 104: Connects to Highway 72

These roads often lack proper signage, lighting, and shoulders, creating hazards for both trucks and passenger vehicles.

The Dangers of Yorktown’s Rural Roads

Yorktown’s location in rural DeWitt County creates unique challenges for trucking safety:

Limited Emergency Response

Yorktown’s rural location means limited emergency medical services. After a serious trucking accident, victims may wait 20-30 minutes or longer for EMS to arrive. This delay can be critical for victims with life-threatening injuries.

Poor Road Conditions

Many of Yorktown’s rural roads suffer from:

Potholes that can cause trucks to lose control
Narrow lanes that don’t accommodate large trucks
Inadequate shoulders that don’t provide safe stopping areas
Poor signage that doesn’t warn of hazards
Limited lighting that reduces visibility at night

Animal Crossings

Deer and other wildlife frequently cross Yorktown’s rural roads, creating hazards for trucks and other vehicles. When trucks swerve to avoid animals, they can lose control or cross into oncoming traffic.

Limited Truck Parking

Yorktown has limited truck parking facilities, forcing drivers to park on road shoulders or in unsafe locations. This creates hazards for both trucks and other vehicles.

Agricultural Traffic

Yorktown’s agricultural economy means slow-moving farm equipment frequently shares the roads with high-speed trucks. These speed differentials create dangerous situations.

Yorktown’s Unique Trucking Industries

Yorktown’s economy creates unique trucking challenges:

Oil and Gas Industry

The Eagle Ford Shale play extends into DeWitt County, bringing:

Frac sand haulers transporting sand for hydraulic fracturing
Water haulers moving water to and from drilling sites
Oil field equipment transporters moving drilling rigs and other heavy equipment
Crude oil haulers transporting oil from wells to refineries

These trucks often operate on tight schedules