18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Gunter, Texas

Every year, thousands of devastating 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways—many right here in Grayson County. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Gunter, you need an attorney who understands the unique dangers of our local roads, the federal trucking regulations that apply, and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas 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. We know Gunter’s trucking corridors, from US-377 to the nearby I-35 and US-82 corridors, where commercial traffic is heavy and accidents are all too common.

Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Gunter, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it’s lost forever.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Gunter Are Different

Gunter sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes, with US-377 running directly through town and I-35 just a short drive to the east. These highways see heavy commercial traffic, including:

• Long-haul trucks traveling between Dallas and Oklahoma
• Local delivery trucks serving businesses in Gunter, Sherman, and beyond
• Agricultural haulers transporting goods from Grayson County farms
• Oilfield equipment trucks supporting the nearby Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale operations

The mix of local traffic, rural roads, and high-speed highways creates unique dangers, including:

• Fatigued drivers pushing limits on long hauls
• Poorly maintained trucks with worn brakes or tires
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo causing rollovers or spills
• Distracted or impaired drivers navigating unfamiliar roads

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes frequently cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Wrongful death

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in a Gunter trucking accident, you need an attorney who knows how to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Gunter

Trucking accidents don’t happen by accident. In nearly every case we handle, we find that the crash was caused by negligence—whether by the driver, the trucking company, or another party. Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Gunter include:

1. Driver Fatigue (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 the 14th hour after coming on duty)
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Why it matters: Fatigued driving is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely to traffic conditions.

How we prove it:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows exact driving hours and rest periods
• Dispatch records – Proves pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Driver Qualification File – May show pattern of violations

Case Example: In a recent case, we proved that a truck driver had been on duty for 18 hours straight before causing a fatal crash on I-35 near Sherman. The trucking company had pressured him to make an impossible delivery deadline. We secured a $3.2 million settlement for the victim’s family.

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face many distractions, including:

• Cell phone use (texting, calls, GPS)
• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm messages, CB radio)
• Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while driving
• Fatigue or daydreaming

FMCSA Regulations:

• 49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving
• 49 CFR § 392.80 – Prohibits texting while driving

How we prove it:

• Cell phone records – Show calls, texts, or app usage at time of crash
• ECM/Black Box data – May show sudden lane departures or delayed braking
• Witness statements – Other drivers who saw the truck swerving

Case Example: We represented a Gunter family whose son was killed when a truck driver ran a red light while texting. Cell phone records proved the driver had sent three texts in the 30 seconds before impact. We secured a $4.5 million verdict against the trucking company.

3. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

• Shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable
• Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Cause rollovers, especially on curves or during sudden maneuvers

FMCSA Cargo Securement Regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
• Must withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral forces
• Specific requirements for different types of cargo (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

How we prove it:

• Cargo manifest – Shows what was being transported
• Loading records – Documents how cargo was secured
• Accident reconstruction – Proves cargo shift caused the crash
• Maintenance records – May show tiedowns were worn or inadequate

Case Example: A truck carrying steel coils overturned on US-82 near Gunter, crushing a family’s SUV. Our investigation revealed that the loading company had used only half the required tiedowns. We secured a $2.8 million settlement for the family.

4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade on long descents)
• Contaminated brake fluid

FMCSA Brake Regulations (49 CFR § 393.40-55):

• All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes and parking/emergency brake systems
• Brake adjustment must be maintained within specifications
• Regular inspections are required

How we prove it:

• Post-crash brake inspection – Shows worn or defective components
• Maintenance records – May reveal deferred repairs
• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) – Show pre-trip inspection failures
• Out-of-service orders – Previous violations for brake problems

Case Example: A truck’s brakes failed on a steep grade near Gunter, causing a rear-end collision