18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers in Lefors, Texas
Every year, thousands of catastrophic trucking accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lefors, Texas, you need an attorney who understands the complex federal trucking regulations and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the Texas Panhandle for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from helping victims in Gray County and the surrounding Texas Panhandle region.
Why Lefors Trucking Accidents Are Different
Lefors sits at the intersection of US Highway 60 and State Highway 273, two critical routes for commercial trucking in the Texas Panhandle. The area’s mix of rural highways, agricultural freight, and oilfield trucking creates unique risks:
- Long-haul fatigue – Truckers driving from Amarillo to Oklahoma or down to Lubbock often push their hours of service limits
- Oilfield trucking – Heavy equipment, hazardous materials, and inexperienced drivers create additional dangers
- Agricultural freight – Overloaded grain trucks and livestock haulers increase rollover risks
- Narrow rural roads – Many roads in Gray County weren’t designed for modern 18-wheelers
- Weather hazards – High winds, sudden storms, and icy conditions make driving treacherous
We know Lefors’ trucking corridors, from the grain elevators along US-60 to the oilfield service routes. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lefors
1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)
Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours. Yet fatigue remains a leading cause of trucking accidents in the Texas Panhandle.
Why it happens in Lefors:
- Truckers pushing limits to meet tight delivery schedules
- Pressure from carriers to maximize driving time
- False logbook entries (even with ELDs)
- Long stretches of highway with limited rest stops
FMCSA Violations We Look For:
- 49 CFR § 395.3 – 11-hour driving limit
- 49 CFR § 395.5 – 14-hour on-duty window
- 49 CFR § 395.8 – False ELD entries
- 49 CFR § 395.1 – 30-minute break requirement
Evidence We Preserve:
✔ ELD data (Electronic Logging Device records)
✔ ECM/Black Box data (shows speed, braking, and driving patterns)
✔ Dispatch records (proves pressure to violate HOS)
✔ Cell phone records (shows distraction during driving)
“Trucking companies know that tired drivers are dangerous drivers. When they push drivers beyond legal limits, they’re gambling with lives—and we hold them accountable.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911
2. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement
A shifting load can cause a truck to roll over, jackknife, or spill cargo onto the highway. In the Texas Panhandle, we see this with:
- Overloaded grain trucks (common in Gray County’s agricultural industry)
- Poorly secured oilfield equipment (pipes, drill bits, machinery)
- Livestock haulers with improper animal containment
- Hazardous materials (fuel, chemicals, anhydrous ammonia)
FMCSA Violations We Prove:
- 49 CFR § 393.100 – General cargo securement requirements
- 49 CFR § 393.102 – Performance criteria for securement systems
- 49 CFR § 393.104 – Specific securement rules for different cargo types
Evidence We Gather:
✔ Loading dock records (who loaded the cargo?)
✔ Weight tickets (was the truck overloaded?)
✔ Cargo securement photos (were proper tiedowns used?)
✔ Maintenance logs (were securement devices inspected?)
3. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance
Brake problems cause 29% of all large truck crashes. In the Texas Panhandle, where trucks travel long distances with heavy loads, brake failures are especially dangerous.
Common Brake Issues in Lefors Trucking:
- Worn brake pads/shoes (not replaced during routine maintenance)
- Improperly adjusted brakes (reduces stopping power)
- Air brake system leaks (causes gradual brake failure)
- Overheated brakes (common on steep grades and long descents)
- Contaminated brake fluid (reduces effectiveness)
FMCSA Violations We Investigate:
- 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system requirements
- 49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance
- 49 CFR § 396.11 – Driver post-trip inspection reports
Evidence We Secure:
✔ Brake inspection records (were brakes properly maintained?)
✔ Maintenance work orders (were repairs deferred?)
✔ Post-crash brake analysis (were brakes functioning at time of crash?)
✔ Out-of-service orders (did the truck have a history of brake violations?)
4. Tire Blowouts
Tire failures cause thousands of trucking accidents every year, often with catastrophic results. In the Texas Panhandle, where temperatures fluctuate and roads can be rough, tire blowouts are a major concern.
Why Tire Blowouts Happen in Lefors:
- Underinflation (causes excessive heat buildup)
- Overloading (exceeds tire weight ratings)
- Worn tread (reduces traction and increases blowout risk)
- Road debris (common on rural Texas highways)
- Manufacturing defects (defective tires that fail prematurely)
FMCSA Requirements:
- 49 CFR § 393.75 – Tire condition and tread depth
- 49 CFR § 396.13 – Pre-trip tire inspections
Evidence We Collect:
✔ Tire purchase and maintenance records
✔ Tire pressure logs (was the tire properly inflated?)
✔ Failed tire remnants (for defect analysis)
✔ Road condition reports (was debris a factor?)
5. Distracted & Impaired Driving
Despite strict federal regulations, distracted and impaired driving remains a major problem in the trucking industry.
Common Distractions in Lefors Trucking:
- Cell phone use (texting, GPS, dispatch communications)
- In-cab electronics (tablets, CB radios, entertainment systems)
- Eating/drinking while driving (common on long hauls)
- Fatigue-related distraction (microsleeps, zoning out)
FMCSA Prohibitions:
- 49 CFR § 392.80 – Texting while driving
- 49 CFR § 392.82 – Handheld mobile phone use
- 49 CFR § 392.4 – Drug use (including prescription medications)
- 49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol use (0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers)
Evidence We Pursue:
✔ Cell phone records (was the driver texting or talking?)
✔ Drug/alcohol test results (was the driver impaired?)
✔ Dashcam footage (shows driver behavior before crash)
✔ Witness statements (did anyone see the driver distracted?)
Catastrophic Injuries from Lefors 18-Wheeler Accidents
The physics of an 18-wheeler crash make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:
| Injury Type | Impact on Victims | Lifetime Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes | $85,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) | Quadriplegia, paraplegia, loss of mobility | $1,000,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Amputation | Loss of limbs, chronic pain, prosthetic needs | $500,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| Severe Burns | Multiple surgeries, skin grafts, permanent scarring | $1,000,000 – $3,000,000+ |
| Internal Organ Damage | Liver/spleen rupture, internal bleeding, organ failure | $250,000 – $1,500,000+ |
| Wrongful Death | Loss of income, companionship, and future earnings | $1,000,000 – $10,000,000+ |
“When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the results are often tragic. We’ve seen families destroyed by these crashes—and we fight to get them the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.”
— Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney, Attorney911
Who Is Liable in a Lefors Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in an 18-wheeler crash. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:
| Potentially Liable Party | Basis for Liability |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment, failure to inspect vehicle |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate HOS, poor maintenance |
| Cargo Owner/Shipper | Improper loading, failure to disclose hazardous cargo, overweight loads |
| Loading Company | Improper securement, unbalanced loads, failure to follow FMCSA rules |
| Truck Manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems (product liability) |
| Parts Manufacturer | Defective brake components, tires, or other critical parts |
| Maintenance Company | Negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues, use of substandard parts |
| Freight Broker | Negligent selection of unsafe carrier, failure to verify insurance |
| Government Entity | Dangerous road design, inadequate signage, failure to maintain roads |
Our Investigation Process:
- Immediate Evidence Preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to prevent destruction of critical evidence.
- FMCSA Records Review – We obtain the carrier’s CSA scores, inspection history, and crash records.
- Driver Qualification File Subpoena – We demand the driver’s employment application, training records, and medical certification.
- Accident Reconstruction – We work with experts to analyze ECM data, skid marks, and vehicle damage.
- Corporate Structure Analysis – We identify all related companies and insurance policies to ensure full recovery.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lefors
✅ At the Scene:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Internal injuries and TBI symptoms may not appear immediately.
- Document the Scene – Take photos/videos of:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Skid marks, road conditions, and debris
- Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
- Truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
- Get Witness Information – Names, phone numbers, and statements.
- Do NOT Give Statements – Never speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without an attorney.
✅ In the Days After:
- Follow Doctor’s Orders – Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans.
- Document Everything – Keep records of:
- Medical bills and prescriptions
- Time missed from work
- Pain levels and daily limitations
- How injuries affect your family life
- Avoid Social Media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you.
- Contact Attorney911 Immediately – Critical evidence disappears fast. We act quickly to preserve black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage before it’s destroyed.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lefors Trucking Accident Case?
✔ 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. We’ve handled hundreds of trucking cases and secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major carriers.
✔ Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
✔ Federal Court Experience
We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases.
✔ Proven Track Record of Results
- $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 Texas families in wrongful death cases
✔ Local Knowledge of Lefors & the Texas Panhandle
We understand:
- The trucking routes serving Lefors (US-60, SH-273, and nearby highways)
- The industries that dominate the area (agriculture, oilfield, ranching)
- The courts and judges in Gray County and surrounding areas
- The unique challenges of rural trucking accidents
✔ No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from the settlement, so there’s no risk to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lefors Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry minimum $750,000 in liability insurance, and many have $1-5 million or more. This allows for much larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. We gather ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports to prove what really happened.
What if the trucking company is out of state?
We handle interstate trucking cases nationwide. Our federal court experience allows us to pursue claims against out-of-state carriers.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas law allows you to recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long does a trucking accident case take?
- Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6-12 months
- Complex cases (multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries): 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Hablamos Español
Many trucking accident victims in Lefors and Gray County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
“No debería haber barreras cuando se trata de obtener justicia. Hablamos español y estamos aquí para ayudarle.”
— Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney, Attorney911
Contact Attorney911 Today – 24/7 Emergency Legal Help
Evidence in your Lefors trucking accident case is disappearing fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.
Call us NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.
“The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call us before it’s too late.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com
Serving Lefors, Pampa, Amarillo, and the entire Texas Panhandle.
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont – but we come to you.
