18-Wheeler Accidents in Stephenville, TX: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

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

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Stephenville’s highways, your life changes forever. One second, you’re driving to work on US-377 or heading home from Tarleton State University. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. Who’s fighting for you?

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding negligent trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes across Texas. We know Stephenville’s trucking corridors, from the I-20 interchange to the distribution centers serving our growing community. When disaster strikes on Stephenville’s roads, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it, because it does.

Why Stephenville’s Trucking Accidents Are Different

Stephenville sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight routes. US-377 connects to I-20, US-67, and US-281, creating a hub for commercial traffic moving between Fort Worth, Abilene, and San Angelo. Our local economy depends on trucking—agricultural products from Erath County farms, equipment for Tarleton State University, and supplies for Stephenville’s growing businesses all move by truck. But with this economic lifeline comes risk.

Truck accidents in Stephenville aren’t just statistics. They’re real people—ranchers headed to market, students driving to class, families traveling to Possum Kingdom Lake. The physics don’t lie: an 80,000-pound truck is 20-25 times heavier than your car. When these giants collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Stephenville

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. Stephenville’s unique geography and trucking patterns create specific risks:

Jackknife Accidents on US-377

The long straightaways of US-377 between Stephenville and Dublin can lull drivers into complacency. When sudden braking occurs—perhaps due to wildlife crossing or unexpected traffic slowdowns—the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups, especially during Stephenville’s occasional ice storms or heavy fog.

Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Stephenville’s rural intersections, like the US-377/US-67 junction or FM 219 crossings, pose unique dangers. When passenger vehicles collide with the side or rear of trailers, they can slide underneath, shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These accidents are among the most deadly, yet many trailers still lack adequate side underride guards.

Rollover Crashes on I-20 Ramps

The I-20 interchange east of Stephenville sees heavy truck traffic. The tight curves and elevation changes can cause rollovers when drivers take them too fast, especially with improperly secured or top-heavy loads. These accidents frequently spill cargo across the highway, creating secondary hazards for other vehicles.

Brake Failures on Mountain Passes

While Stephenville isn’t mountainous, the gradual but steady inclines on routes like US-67 toward Brownwood can cause brake fade. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save costs, the results can be deadly. We’ve seen cases where overheated brakes failed completely, sending trucks barreling through intersections at full speed.

Fatigue-Related Crashes from Long-Haul Drivers

Stephenville sits along major routes between Dallas-Fort Worth and West Texas oil fields. Many drivers push their hours of service limits to meet tight delivery schedules. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, and judgment becomes impaired—often with tragic consequences on our local roads.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Stephenville Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents in Stephenville often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

Driver negligence causes most accidents. Common violations we see in Stephenville cases:

Hours of service violations (driving beyond federal limits)
Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Inadequate training on Stephenville’s specific road hazards

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies bear significant responsibility. We’ve seen cases where:

They hired unqualified drivers with poor safety records
They failed to provide adequate safety training
They pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations
They deferred critical maintenance to save costs
They failed to monitor driver performance and safety compliance

Cargo Loaders and Shippers

Improperly loaded cargo causes many accidents. We investigate:

Whether cargo was properly secured (49 CFR 393 violations)
Whether weight limits were exceeded
Whether hazardous materials were properly declared and secured
Whether the cargo created an unstable center of gravity

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable when:

They failed to properly inspect or repair critical systems
They used substandard or incorrect parts
They returned vehicles to service with known defects
They failed to document maintenance properly

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective equipment causes preventable accidents. We investigate:

Brake system failures
Tire defects causing blowouts
Steering component failures
Coupling device defects
Lighting system failures

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable when:

They selected carriers with poor safety records
They failed to verify carrier insurance and authority
They pressured carriers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules

Government Entities

In limited cases, government liability may apply:

Dangerous road design on Stephenville-area highways
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Improper work zone setup

The Evidence That Wins Stephenville Trucking Cases

Trucking companies begin protecting their interests immediately after an accident. Their rapid-response teams arrive at accident scenes to gather evidence that protects them—not you. At Attorney911, we move just as fast to preserve evidence that proves their negligence.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

Every commercial truck has an ECM that records critical operational data:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing and force
Throttle position
Engine RPM
Cruise control status
GPS location and route history

This data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. We’ve seen cases where ECM data proved drivers were speeding when they claimed to be traveling at the speed limit, or that they never hit their brakes when they claimed they did everything possible to avoid the crash.

Critical Timing: ECM data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent this.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Since December 2017, most commercial trucks must use ELDs that record:

Driver hours of service
Duty status (driving, on-duty not driving, off-duty)
GPS location
Driving time
Rest breaks

ELD data proves hours of service violations—the most common cause of fatigue-related crashes. We’ve used ELD records to show drivers were on duty for 16+ hours when they claimed to be well-rested.

Driver Qualification File

Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

Employment application and resume
Driving record check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. We’ve won cases where trucking companies hired drivers with multiple DUI convictions or failed to verify employment history showing a pattern of safety violations.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must maintain records showing:

Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
Annual inspection certifications
Repair and maintenance work orders
Parts replacement records
Mechanic qualifications

These records often reveal deferred maintenance and known defects. We’ve seen cases where maintenance records showed repeated brake system issues that were never properly addressed.

Dispatch and Communication Records

Dispatch records reveal:

Delivery schedules and deadlines
Driver assignments
Route instructions
Communications between drivers and dispatchers
Any pressure to violate hours of service regulations

These records often prove that trucking companies created unsafe conditions by pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Stephenville Trucking Cases

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The size and weight disparity between an 80,000-pound truck and a 4,000-pound car creates forces that passenger vehicles simply aren’t designed to withstand.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include:

Headaches, dizziness, nausea
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes, depression, anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Speech difficulties
Personality changes

Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care. We’ve represented clients who can no longer work, manage their finances, or even recognize family members due to TBI from trucking accidents.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
Complete injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement

The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis. Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions and may require ventilator assistance for breathing.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in:

Traumatic amputations: Limbs severed at the scene
Surgical amputations: Limbs so severely damaged they must be removed

Amputations require:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from damaged wiring
Friction burns from road contact
Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn injuries require:

Immediate emergency treatment
Skin graft surgeries
Multiple reconstructive procedures
Long-term rehabilitation
Psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

Liver lacerations or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusions or collapse (pneumothorax)
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Available damages include:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

Why Stephenville Families Choose Attorney911

When tragedy strikes on Stephenville’s roads, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight the trucking industry’s powerful legal machine.

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Various commercial trucking companies

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—a critical advantage for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court. Many personal injury attorneys lack federal court experience, limiting their ability to handle complex trucking litigation.

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families devastated by trucking accidents:

$5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
$2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Stephenville’s Trucking Corridors

We know Stephenville’s roads and the unique challenges they present:

US-377’s long straightaways that encourage speeding
The I-20 interchange’s tight curves and heavy truck traffic
FM 219’s rural intersections with limited visibility
US-67’s gradual but steady inclines that can cause brake fade
The distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may violate hours of service regulations

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve:

ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
ELD records
Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
Drug and alcohol test results
Cell phone records

Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation process includes:

Immediate accident scene documentation
Truck and trailer inspection
Data extraction from ECM and ELD
Driver qualification file review
Maintenance record analysis
Witness interviews
Accident reconstruction
Expert analysis of all evidence

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Stephenville

Your actions in the hours and days after a trucking accident can make or break your case. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

At the Scene

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request police and EMS
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
Document everything – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- The accident scene (skid marks, debris, road conditions)
- Your injuries
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Weather conditions
Get information – Collect:
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Responding officer’s name and badge number
Don’t admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later

In the Days After

Follow up with medical treatment – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
Document your recovery – Keep a journal of:
- Pain levels
- Symptoms
- Medical appointments
- Medications
- How injuries affect daily activities
Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without consulting an attorney
Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
Contact Attorney911 immediately – The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights

The Legal Process for Stephenville Trucking Accident Cases

Understanding the legal process helps you know what to expect:

1. Free Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline your options. There’s no obligation, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

2. Investigation

We’ll:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtain police reports
Collect medical records
Interview witnesses
Analyze ECM and ELD data
Inspect the truck and trailer
Consult with accident reconstruction experts

3. Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, outlining:

The facts of the case
The negligence of their insured
Your injuries and damages
Our settlement demand

4. Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tactics. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’ll file a lawsuit. The litigation process includes:

Discovery: Exchanging information with the defense
Depositions: Taking sworn testimony from witnesses and experts
Motions: Filing legal arguments with the court
Mediation: Attempting to resolve the case through negotiation
Trial: Presenting your case to a jury

6. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. When your case resolves, we’ll:

Pay all medical liens and case expenses
Deduct our contingency fee
Distribute the remaining funds to you

Common Questions About Stephenville Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers—$750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million or more. This allows for larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.

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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. 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 the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties, including:

The driver
The trucking company
Cargo loaders
Maintenance companies
Manufacturers
Freight brokers

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants may still be liable.

How long will my 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.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for Stephenville Families

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just hiring a law firm—you’re gaining a team that treats you like family. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident takes on Stephenville families.

We Treat You Like Family

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

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

We Solve Cases Faster Than Competitors

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

We Offer Spanish-Language Services

Many trucking accident victims in Stephenville speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After an accident, trucking companies move quickly to protect their interests:

Their rapid-response teams arrive at accident scenes to gather evidence that protects them
They send adjusters to get recorded statements that minimize your claim
They offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
They destroy evidence if they think they can get away with it

Don’t let them win. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case.

Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win. 24/7 Availability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Stephenville, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Stephenville trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Remember: Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. The trucking company is already working to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.