18-Wheeler Accidents in Glasscock County: Your Complete Legal Guide**

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Glasscock County, you’re facing one of the most complex and devastating experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create catastrophic damage that passenger vehicles simply can’t withstand. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand exactly what you’re going through.

Why Glasscock County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Glasscock County’s unique geography and trucking corridors create specific risks that require specialized legal knowledge. Our local experience with:

Highway 137 – The primary north-south route through Glasscock County that connects to major freight corridors
Highway 158 – An important east-west route used by oilfield and agricultural trucks
Local oilfield trucking – The heavy equipment and hazardous material transport common in our region
Agricultural freight patterns – Seasonal variations in truck traffic related to farming and ranching

gives us an advantage when building your case. We know the local roads, the common accident locations, and the specific challenges faced by truck drivers in our area.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year, thousands of Americans are killed or seriously injured in trucking accidents. The statistics are sobering:

5,100+ fatalities annually in large truck crashes (NHTSA)
125,000+ injuries each year from trucking accidents
76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
1 in 10 highway deaths involves a large truck

In Glasscock County, where oilfield and agricultural trucking is common, the risks are even more pronounced. The massive weight disparity means that when a fully loaded 18-wheeler (up to 80,000 pounds) collides with a passenger vehicle (typically 3,500-4,000 pounds), the results are often catastrophic.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Glasscock County

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout Texas has revealed the most frequent causes of 18-wheeler accidents in our region:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour on-duty window – cannot drive beyond 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

Yet we frequently find violations in Glasscock County cases. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to dangerous fatigue. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now provide objective proof of these violations, which we use to build strong cases.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Glasscock County’s rural roads and heavy truck traffic create unique maintenance challenges. Common equipment failures we investigate include:

Brake failures – responsible for 29% of truck crashes (FMCSA)
Tire blowouts – especially dangerous on our high-speed rural highways
Lighting and visibility issues – critical on our poorly lit county roads
Coupling device failures – particularly risky with our agricultural trailers

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, we still see:

Cell phone use – texting or talking while driving is prohibited
Dispatch communications – using in-cab electronics while moving
Drug and alcohol use – random testing requirements are frequently violated

Cargo-Related Issues

Glasscock County’s agricultural and oilfield industries create specific cargo hazards:

Overloaded trucks – exceeding weight limits on county roads
Improperly secured loads – shifting cargo causes rollovers
Hazardous material spills – oilfield chemicals create additional dangers
Agricultural equipment securement – specialized requirements for farm machinery

The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These are particularly dangerous on Highway 137 where sudden stops can occur due to:

Wildlife crossings common in rural Glasscock County
Unexpected slowdowns for agricultural equipment
Oilfield-related traffic entering highways

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers frequently happen on Highway 158’s curves and when trucks:

Take turns too sharply at excessive speeds
Have improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
Experience “slosh” from liquid cargo shifting center of gravity

Underride Collisions

These deadly crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. Glasscock County’s rural roads create additional risks:

Rear underride – when trucks stop suddenly without adequate warning
Side underride – during lane changes or wide turns at intersections
Lack of proper guards – many trailers lack adequate underride protection

Tire Blowouts

Glasscock County’s long stretches of highway and temperature extremes create perfect conditions for tire failures. Blowouts are especially dangerous when:

They occur on steer tires (front wheels)
The truck is traveling at high speeds on Highway 137
Debris from the blowout strikes following vehicles

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

One of the most important differences between car accidents and trucking accidents is that multiple parties can be held liable in trucking cases. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation.

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:

Vicarious liability – responsible for their employees’ actions
Negligent hiring – failing to check driver backgrounds
Negligent training – inadequate safety training
Negligent supervision – failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance – poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

The companies that own and load the cargo can be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

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

Manufacturers

Truck, trailer, and parts manufacturers can be liable for:

Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
Failure to warn of known dangers

The Critical Evidence We Preserve for Your Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. The trucking company’s rapid-response team starts protecting their interests within hours of an accident. At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes (can be overwritten in 30 days)
ELD Records – Prove hours of service violations (only required to be kept 6 months)
GPS Tracking Data – Shows exact route and speed history
Cell Phone Records – Prove distracted driving
Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File – Employment application, background check, medical certification
Drug and Alcohol Test Results – Pre-employment and random testing
Training Records – Safety and equipment training documentation
Previous Accident History – Pattern of safety violations

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records – Show deferred repairs and known defects
Inspection Reports – Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
Tire Records – Age, tread depth, and replacement history
Brake Inspection Records – Adjustment and repair history

Company Records

Dispatch Logs – Show schedule pressure and communication
Cargo Documentation – Bills of lading and loading instructions
Safety Policies – Company safety culture and enforcement
Insurance Policies – Coverage limits and exclusions

Why Time Is Critical in Your Glasscock County Trucking Case

The first 48 hours after an 18-wheeler accident are the most important for preserving evidence. Here’s what happens if you don’t act quickly:

Black box data gets overwritten in as little as 30 days
Dashcam footage gets deleted within 7-14 days
Witness memories fade within weeks
Physical evidence gets repaired or scrapped
The trucking company’s rapid-response team builds their defense

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to demand preservation of all evidence. This legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious consequences, including:

Court sanctions
Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
Default judgment in extreme cases
Punitive damages

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Trucking Cases

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The size and weight disparity means that when an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound car, the results are often devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull. In trucking accidents, this often happens when:

The head strikes the steering wheel or dashboard
The brain impacts the inside of the skull from sudden deceleration
The skull is penetrated by debris

TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms may include:

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

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

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

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

Spinal cord injuries often require:

Immediate emergency surgery
Long-term rehabilitation
Home modifications
Assistive devices
24/7 care for severe cases

Amputations

Amputations occur when:

Limbs are severed at the scene due to crash forces
Limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed
Infections from open wounds require amputation

Amputations create lifelong challenges including:

Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home and vehicle modifications
Career limitations or total disability

Severe Burns

Burns occur in trucking accidents from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
Friction burns from road contact

Burn injuries require:

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

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can bring wrongful death claims to recover:

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

How Much Is Your Glasscock County Trucking Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because:

Higher insurance limits – Federal law requires minimum $750,000 coverage (often $1-5 million)
Multiple liable parties – More defendants mean more insurance coverage
Catastrophic injuries – Trucking accidents cause more severe, permanent injuries
Punitive damages potential – When trucking companies act with gross negligence

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$462 Million – St. Louis underride case (2024)
$160 Million – Alabama rollover case (2024)
$141.5 Million – Florida trucking case (2023)
$90 Million – Houston trucking verdict (2023)
$37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
$35.5 Million – Texas family injury case (2023)
$150 Million – Largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history (2022)

Factors That Affect Your Case Value

Severity of injuries – Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost income – Wages lost due to injury and recovery
Lost earning capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress
Degree of negligence – Gross negligence increases punitive damages
Insurance coverage – Available policy limits

The Insurance Battle You’re Facing

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. Their tactics include:

Quick lowball settlement offers – Designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
Denying or minimizing injuries – Claiming your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
Blaming the victim – Arguing you were partially at fault
Delaying the claims process – Hoping you’ll accept a lower offer out of frustration
Using recorded statements against you – Twisting your words to minimize your claim
“Pre-existing condition” defense – Claiming your injuries existed before the accident
“Gap in treatment” attacks – Arguing that gaps in treatment mean you weren’t really injured
Sending surveillance investigators – Looking for evidence to discredit your claim
Hiring “independent” medical examiners – Doctors who routinely minimize injuries
Drowning you in paperwork – Overwhelming you to force acceptance of low offers

At Attorney911, we have a former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows exactly how these tactics work. We use this insider knowledge to fight back and maximize your compensation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Glasscock County Trucking Case?

1. Local Knowledge of Glasscock County

We understand the unique challenges of trucking cases in our region:

The specific trucking corridors and accident hotspots
The local courts and judges who handle these cases
The oilfield and agricultural trucking patterns
The local medical providers who treat trucking accident injuries

2. Insurance Defense Experience

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

How insurance companies evaluate claims
How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
What makes them settle for maximum value
How they deny claims
How their claims valuation software works

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in negotiations.

3. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for our clients, including:

$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

4. Federal Court Experience

Our managing partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical for:

Interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court
Cases involving federal regulations
Complex multi-party litigation

5. 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:

Handling complex trucking accident cases
Taking cases to trial when necessary
Securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Fighting against major corporations like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS

6. Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Immediate evidence preservation – Sending spoliation letters within hours
Accident reconstruction – Working with expert engineers
Medical documentation – Proving the full extent of your injuries
Vocational analysis – Calculating lost earning capacity
Economic analysis – Determining present value of all damages
Life care planning – Developing comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – 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 If You’ve Been in an 18-Wheeler Accident in Glasscock County

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel okay, many serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days.

2. Call the Police and File a Report

A police report creates an official record of the accident. It documents:

The scene and road conditions
Witness statements
The officer’s determination of fault
Citations issued

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, take photos and videos of:

All vehicle damage (inside and out)
The accident scene from multiple angles
Road conditions, skid marks, and debris
Traffic signs and signals
Your injuries
The truck’s DOT number and company information
Witness contact information

4. Get the Truck Driver’s Information

Collect:

Driver’s name and contact information
Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
Trucking company name and DOT number
Insurance information

5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters will call quickly after an accident. They’re trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Do not give any recorded statements without consulting an attorney first.

6. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be. We’ll:

Send preservation letters to protect evidence
Begin investigating immediately
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Help you get the medical treatment you need
Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Handle Your Case

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations. We’ll:

Listen to your story
Evaluate the strength of your case
Explain your legal options
Answer all your questions

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we:

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of all electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS, cell phone records)
Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
Begin gathering witness statements

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation including:

Electronic data analysis – ECM, ELD, GPS, cell phone records
Driver records review – Qualification file, training records, violation history
Vehicle inspection – Maintenance records, known defects, post-crash analysis
Accident reconstruction – Expert analysis of how the accident occurred
Medical documentation – Proving the full extent of your injuries
Economic analysis – Calculating lost wages and future earning capacity

Step 4: Medical Treatment Coordination

We help you get the medical treatment you need, including:

Connecting you with specialists
Arranging for treatment even if you don’t have insurance
Documenting your injuries and treatment
Ensuring you follow your doctor’s recommendations

Step 5: Demand Letter and Negotiation

We prepare a comprehensive demand package including:

Detailed description of the accident
Analysis of liability and negligence
Complete documentation of all damages
Medical records and expert reports
Demand for full and fair compensation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to court. We:

File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
Conduct aggressive discovery to uncover all evidence
Take depositions of the truck driver, safety manager, and other key witnesses
Prepare your case for trial while continuing to negotiate from a position of strength

Step 7: Resolution

The vast majority of cases settle before trial. When we reach a settlement, we:

Review the offer with you
Explain all the terms and conditions
Ensure all medical bills and liens are paid
Distribute the settlement funds to you

Frequently Asked Questions About Glasscock County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Glasscock County?

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
Document the scene with photos and videos if possible
Get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Glasscock County?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

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 the carrier)

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

Usually yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and 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, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
GPS location
Engine performance data

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Texas?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more – allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls me?

Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not for you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Refer all calls to your attorney.

How long do 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 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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties and all available insurance coverage. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, we may be able to recover from:

Other liable parties (driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)
The trucking company’s insurance policy
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get the medical treatment you need even if you don’t have insurance. We work with medical providers who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they’ll get paid from your settlement.

Can I still recover compensation if I was a passenger in the truck?

Yes. As a passenger, you have the same rights to compensation as any other accident victim. You can pursue claims against:

The truck driver
The trucking company
Other liable parties

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazmat trucking accidents create additional dangers and legal complexities. Federal law requires higher insurance limits ($5,000,000) for hazmat carriers. We have experience handling these complex cases.

What if I lost a loved one in a trucking accident?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

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

How do I know if I have a strong case?

The strength of your case depends on:

Clear liability (who was at fault)
Documented injuries
Available insurance coverage
The defendant’s ability to pay

The best way to know is to contact us for a free case evaluation.

Don’t Wait – Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Glasscock County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every hour, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

At Attorney911, we offer:

Free consultations – No obligation, no pressure
24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
No fee unless we win – You pay nothing upfront
Local knowledge – We know Glasscock County’s roads and courts
Insider advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
Proven results – $50+ million recovered for our clients

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your free case evaluation.

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

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

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

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. You deserve an attorney who will fight for you. Call Attorney911 today.