18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Longview, TX | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of devastating 18-wheeler accidents occur on Longview’s highways, interstates, and rural roads. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Longview, Texas, you need an attorney who understands the unique dangers of East Texas trucking corridors and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Longview, Gregg County, and all of East 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 catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us, you’re not just getting a Longview truck accident lawyer—you’re getting a team of aggressive advocates who know exactly how the trucking industry operates and how to make them pay for their negligence.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it disappears.

Why Longview Trucking Accidents Are Different

Longview sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking routes:

• I-20 – A major east-west corridor connecting Dallas to Shreveport and beyond
• US-259 – A critical route for timber, oilfield equipment, and agricultural freight
• US-80 – A historic highway carrying heavy truck traffic through Longview
• Loop 281 – A high-traffic bypass where local and commercial vehicles mix
• Distribution centers and warehouses – Serving Longview’s manufacturing, timber, and oilfield industries

These roads see massive volumes of commercial traffic, including:

• Oilfield trucks hauling equipment to and from the East Texas Oil Field
• Timber trucks transporting logs from East Texas forests
• Interstate freight moving between Dallas, Shreveport, and Houston
• Local delivery trucks serving Longview’s growing retail and industrial sectors

The result? Longview has a higher-than-average risk of catastrophic trucking accidents due to:

✅ Fatigued drivers pushing hours-of-service limits
✅ Overloaded or improperly secured cargo causing rollovers and spills
✅ Poorly maintained trucks with brake failures and tire blowouts
✅ Distracted or inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Longview’s roads
✅ Dangerous intersections where trucks make wide turns into traffic

The Devastating Reality of Longview 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes frequently cause:

🚑 Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – From violent impacts or being struck by cargo
🦽 Spinal cord injuries and paralysis – Often permanent and life-altering
🩸 Amputations – From crushing forces or entrapment requiring surgical removal
🔥 Severe burns – From fuel fires, chemical spills, or electrical system failures
💔 Internal organ damage – From blunt force trauma or being crushed
⚰️ Wrongful death – Leaving families shattered and financially devastated

In Longview, these injuries are all too common. Our local hospitals—including CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center—see the tragic aftermath of trucking accidents every week. Many victims face lifelong medical care, permanent disability, and financial ruin—all because a trucking company cut corners on safety.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Longview Truck Accident?

Most people assume the truck driver is the only one at fault. But in reality, multiple parties can share liability for your injuries:

In Longview trucking cases, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to pin the blame on you—our job is to uncover the truth and hold all responsible parties accountable.

The Most Common Causes of Longview 18-Wheeler Accidents

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Longview’s trucking routes see long-haul drivers pushing their limits to meet tight deadlines. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes, but many drivers and companies ignore them.

FMCSA HOS Violations That Cause Accidents:

• Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• Failing to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• Exceeding 60/70-hour weekly limits without a 34-hour restart
• Falsifying logbooks (now harder with ELDs, but still happens)

How We Prove Fatigue in Your Longview Case:

• ELD data (Electronic Logging Device records)
• ECM/Black Box data (showing erratic driving patterns)
• Dispatch records (proving pressure to meet unrealistic schedules)
• Cell phone records (showing late-night communications)
• Witness statements (truck stop employees, other drivers)

Example: A fatigued driver from a Dallas-based trucking company fell asleep at the wheel on I-20 near Longview, causing a multi-vehicle pileup that left three people with traumatic brain injuries. We proved the company routinely violated HOS rules to meet delivery deadlines, securing a $7.2 million settlement for our clients.

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, Dispatch Devices, More)

Distracted driving is a growing epidemic in the trucking industry. Longview’s truck drivers face constant distractions:

• Texting or talking on hand-held phones (illegal under FMCSA rules)
• Using dispatch devices (Qualcomm, PeopleNet, etc.)
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or entertainment systems
• Looking at paperwork or bills of lading

FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits all hand-held mobile phone use while driving a CMV.

How We Prove Distraction in Your Case:

• Cell phone records (showing calls/texts at time of crash)
• ECM data (showing sudden swerves or delayed braking)
• Dashcam footage (if available)
• Witness statements (other drivers who saw the truck swerving)
• Trucking company policies (showing failure to enforce distracted driving rules)

Example: A truck driver was texting on his phone while driving through Longview on US-259. He rear-ended a family’s SUV, causing a fatality and two severe spinal cord injuries. We obtained his cell phone records and dispatch communications, proving he was distracted at the time of the crash. The case settled for $4.5 million.

3. Improper Cargo Securement (Spills, Shifts, Rollovers)

Longview’s economy relies on timber, oilfield equipment, and heavy machinery—all of which require proper loading and securement. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can:

• Shift during transit, causing the truck to roll over
• Fall onto the roadway, creating debris hazards for other drivers
• Spill hazardous materials, causing chemical burns or explosions

FMCSA Cargo Securement Violations That Cause Accidents:

• Inadequate tiedowns (not enough or not strong enough)
• Improper load distribution (top-heavy or unbalanced loads)
• Failure to use blocking/bracing (allowing cargo to shift)
• Overloading beyond weight limits (causing brake or tire failures)

How We Prove Improper Securement in Your Case:

• Cargo manifest and loading records
• Photos of the load before/after the crash
• Tiedown inspection records
• Weigh station records (showing overweight loads)
• Expert analysis of load distribution and securement failures

Example: A timber truck traveling on US-80 near Longview lost its load when the tiedowns failed, sending logs crashing onto the highway. A following vehicle swerved to avoid the debris and struck a guardrail, causing severe spinal injuries. We proved the loading company failed to follow FMCSA securement rules, resulting in a $3.8 million settlement.

4. Brake Failures (Poor Maintenance, Worn Components)

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents, especially on Longview’s hilly terrain. When a truck’s brakes fail, the driver cannot stop in time, leading to rear-end collisions, runaway trucks, and catastrophic pileups.

Common Brake-Related Causes of Truck Accidents:

• Worn brake pads/shoes (not replaced when needed)
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose, causing delayed stopping)
• Air brake system leaks (loss of braking power)
• Brake fade (overheating on long descents, common on US-259)
• Contaminated brake fluid (reducing effectiveness)
• Defective brake components (manufacturer defects)

FMCSA Brake Regulations:

• 49 CFR § 393.48 – Requires all CMVs to have properly functioning brake systems
• 49 CFR § 396.13 – Requires pre-trip brake inspections
• 49 CFR § 396.11 – Requires post-trip inspection reports

How We Prove Brake Failures in Your Case:

• Maintenance records (showing deferred repairs)
• Out-of-service inspection reports (prior violations)
• ECM data (showing brake application timing and effectiveness)
• Post-crash brake system analysis
• Mechanic work orders and parts records

Example: A truck driver lost control on a steep hill on US-259 near Longview when his brakes failed, causing a chain-reaction crash involving five vehicles. We obtained the truck’s maintenance records, which showed the company had ignored multiple brake-related out-of-service violations. The case settled for $6.1 million.

5. Tire Blowouts (Underinflation, Overloading, Defects)

Longview’s hot summers and heavy truck traffic create perfect conditions for tire blowouts. When a truck tire fails at highway speeds, the driver can lose control, causing jackknife accidents, rollovers, or debris strikes.

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts:

• Underinflated tires (causing overheating and failure)
• Overloaded trucks (exceeding tire weight ratings)
• Worn or aging tires (not replaced when tread is low)
• Road debris punctures (common on Longview’s rural roads)
• Manufacturing defects (separation, weak sidewalls)
• Improper tire matching (mismatched dual tires)

FMCSA Tire Regulations:

• 49 CFR § 393.75 – Requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
• 49 CFR § 396.13 – Requires pre-trip tire inspections

How We Prove Tire Failures in Your Case:

• Tire maintenance records
• Tire age and wear documentation
• Vehicle weight records (weigh station reports)
• Failed tire analysis (expert examination for defects)
• Dashcam footage (if available)

Example: A tire blowout on I-20 near Longview caused a truck to jackknife across three lanes, striking a motorcycle and killing the rider. We proved the trucking company failed to replace worn tires despite multiple warnings from mechanics. The case resulted in a $5.3 million verdict.

6. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)

Underride collisions are among the most fatal types of trucking accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Types of Underride Accidents:

• Rear underride – Vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
• Side underride – Vehicle strikes the side of a trailer (no federal guard requirement)

Why Underride Accidents Happen in Longview:

• Missing or inadequate underride guards
• Poorly maintained rear lighting (making trailers hard to see at night)
• Sudden stops by trucks (without proper warning)
• Trucks making wide turns (cutting off traffic)
• Low visibility conditions (fog, rain, nighttime driving)

FMCSA Underride Guard Requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.86 – Requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998
• Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (despite advocacy)

How We Prove Underride Liability in Your Case:

• Underride guard inspection records
• Rear lighting compliance documentation
• Crash reconstruction (showing underride depth)
• Manufacturer records (for defective guards)
• Maintenance logs (showing deferred repairs)

Example: A family’s SUV struck the side of a trailer on Loop 281 in Longview, causing the roof to be sheared off and killing the parents and severely injuring their children. We proved the trucking company removed the side underride guards to save weight and that the trailer had no reflective markings. The case settled for $9.8 million.

7. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Crashes)

Longview’s narrow streets and busy intersections create dangerous conditions for wide turn accidents. These occur when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the smaller vehicle.

Why Wide Turns Are Dangerous in Longview:

• Trucks need extra space to avoid curbs, signs, and pedestrians
• Trailers track inside the cab’s path, creating blind spots
• Drivers often misjudge the space needed
• Longview’s older intersections weren’t designed for modern trucks

FMCSA Requirements for Safe Turning:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Requires drivers to check mirrors before and during turns
• Proper signaling (giving other drivers time to react)

How We Prove Wide Turn Negligence in Your Case:

• Turn signal activation data (from ECM)
• Mirror condition and adjustment records
• Driver training records (on turning procedures)
• Intersection geometry analysis
• Witness statements (on the truck’s turning path)

Example: A truck driver made a wide right turn from Fredonia Street onto Judson Road in Longview, crushing a pickup truck that had entered the gap. The pickup driver suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury. We obtained dashcam footage from a nearby business showing the truck failed to signal properly. The case settled for $2.7 million.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Longview

✅ IMMEDIATE STEPS (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and EMS.
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries and TBI may not show symptoms for hours or days.
3. Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicles involved (inside and out)
   • Skid marks, debris, road conditions
   • Injuries (yours and others)
   • Street signs, traffic signals, weather conditions
4. Get the truck driver’s information – Including:
   • Name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
5. Collect witness information – Names, phone numbers, and statements.
6. Do NOT give a recorded statement – Insurance adjusters will use your words against you.
7. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve evidence.

❌ WHAT NOT TO DO

• Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.
• Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts to argue you’re not injured.
• Do NOT accept a quick settlement – The first offer is always a lowball.
• Do NOT delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment hurt your case.

Why Longview Trucking Accident Victims Choose Attorney911

🏆 25+ Years of Fighting Trucking Companies in East Texas

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for Longview families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

🛡️ Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He spent years on the other side, learning how adjusters minimize claims, deny liability, and lowball victims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

📋 We Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears

Critical evidence in trucking cases vanishes quickly:

• ECM/Black Box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD logs may be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses overwrites in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade within weeks

We act fast. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose severe sanctions, including default judgment or punitive damages.

🚛 We Know Longview’s Trucking Corridors Inside and Out

We’ve handled cases on every major highway and intersection in Longview, including:

• I-20 (east-west corridor, high truck volume)
• US-259 (oilfield and timber truck traffic)
• US-80 (historic highway with heavy freight)
• Loop 281 (bypass with mixed local/commercial traffic)
• Judson Road & Estes Parkway (high-traffic commercial zones)
• Marshall Avenue & Gilmer Road (dangerous intersections)

We know where the high-risk zones are and what common violations occur in each area.

💰 We’ve Recovered Millions for Longview Truck Accident Victims

While we can’t guarantee specific results, our track record speaks for itself:

🗣️ What Our Longview Clients Say

“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

“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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

Longview Trucking Accident? Call Attorney911 Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Longview, Texas, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests—not yours.

We offer:
✅ Free, no-obligation consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your rights
✅ No fee unless we win – You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if you do
✅ 24/7 availability – We answer calls day and night
✅ Spanish-language services – Hablamos Español – Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to protect your evidence, and we’ll start building your case immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Longview Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Longview?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims 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.

2. How much is my Longview trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but trucking accident settlements in Longview typically range from $100,000 to several million dollars, depending on:

• Severity of injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputation, etc.)
• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers—often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike in many car accident cases where insurance limits are too low.

3. Will my Longview trucking accident 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 attorneys are willing to take cases to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

4. 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 50% or less responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, multiple insurance policies may apply to your case, including:

• The motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to ensure you can recover compensation.

6. Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. 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.

7. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Texas law, you can still recover as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

8. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence to prove fatigue:

• ELD data (showing hours of service violations)
• ECM/Black Box data (showing erratic driving patterns)
• Dispatch records (proving pressure to meet unrealistic schedules)
• Cell phone records (showing late-night communications)
• Witness statements (truck stop employees, other drivers)

9. What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can impose severe sanctions, including:

• Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment (automatic win for you)
• Punitive damages

10. Do I need a lawyer for a Longview trucking accident?

Yes. Trucking accident cases are far more complex than car accident cases. The trucking company and their insurer will have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize your claim. You need an experienced Longview trucking accident attorney who knows:

• Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA)
• How to preserve and analyze black box data
• How to identify all liable parties
• How to negotiate with trucking insurers
• How to take your case to trial if necessary

Most importantly: Studies show that accident victims with attorneys recover 3-5 times more compensation than those who try to handle claims on their own—even after paying legal fees.

Longview Trucking Accident Resources

🚑 Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center – 700 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX 75601
• Longview Regional Medical Center – 2901 N 4th St, Longview, TX 75605
• UT Health East Texas Tyler (Level II Trauma Center) – 1000 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701

🚔 Local Law Enforcement

• Longview Police Department – (903) 237-1199
• Gregg County Sheriff’s Office – (903) 236-8400
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – (903) 757-3301

📋 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Reports

• Request a crash report online: TxDOT Crash Records
• Longview TxDOT office: 1515 W Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604

🚛 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Resources

• Check a trucking company’s safety record: FMCSA SaferWeb
• File a complaint against a trucking company: FMCSA Complaint

Longview Trucking Accident? Call Attorney911 Now

1-888-ATTY-911 | 1-888-288-9911

We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Your fight starts with one call. We’ll protect your evidence, investigate the crash, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait—call now. Every hour counts.