18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Memphis, Texas | Attorney911

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

The moment you see an 18-wheeler looming in your rearview mirror on Highway 287, you know something’s wrong. The next thing you remember is the deafening crash, the shattering glass, and the realization that your life just changed forever. In the small towns and wide-open spaces of Hall County, these accidents happen more often than you’d think – and the consequences are always devastating.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners on the roads around Memphis, Texas. The catastrophic injuries. The families torn apart. The lifelong struggles with medical bills and lost income. We also know that in the aftermath of a trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that understands the unique challenges of Hall County roads and the trucking industry that dominates them.

Why Memphis, Texas Trucking Accidents Are Different

Memphis sits at the crossroads of rural Texas, where farm-to-market roads meet major highways and local drivers share the road with long-haul truckers. The trucking corridors serving our community include:

Highway 287 – The main thoroughfare through Memphis, carrying local traffic and commercial freight between Amarillo and Wichita Falls
FM 1547 – Connecting Memphis to surrounding agricultural areas and serving as a key route for grain trucks
Local roads – Where school buses, farm equipment, and 18-wheelers all compete for space
Distribution routes – Serving the agricultural processing facilities that are the backbone of our local economy

This mix of local and commercial traffic creates unique hazards. The long, straight stretches of highway encourage speeding. The rural roads often lack proper lighting and signage. And the agricultural trucks hauling grain, livestock, and equipment from local farms and processing facilities add another layer of complexity to our roads.

The Hall County Trucking Accident Crisis

While Memphis might seem like a quiet Texas town, we see more than our share of trucking accidents. The combination of local drivers unfamiliar with sharing the road with big rigs and truckers pushing their hours to meet delivery deadlines creates a dangerous environment.

Recent years have seen a troubling increase in trucking accidents across Hall County, with many occurring on the very routes that local families use every day. These aren’t just statistics – they’re neighbors, friends, and community members whose lives have been forever changed by preventable accidents.

Catastrophic Injuries We See in Memphis Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal: your 3,500-pound car is no match for a fully loaded semi-truck. The injuries we see in these accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent forces of a trucking accident can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

Concussions and mild TBIs that may not show immediate symptoms
Severe brain damage causing permanent cognitive impairment
Memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty with basic functions
Lifelong dependence on care and assistance

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When the spine is damaged in a trucking accident, the consequences can be permanent:

Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body)
Partial paralysis with varying degrees of impairment
Chronic pain and limited mobility
The need for lifelong medical care and home modifications

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in:

Traumatic amputations at the scene
Surgical amputations due to irreparable damage
Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma
The need for prosthetic limbs and extensive rehabilitation

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents frequently involve:

Fuel tank ruptures causing fires and explosions
Chemical burns from hazardous cargo spills
Electrical burns from damaged wiring
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Multiple reconstructive surgeries

Internal Organ Damage

The blunt force trauma from a trucking accident can cause:

Ruptured spleens requiring emergency removal
Liver lacerations and internal bleeding
Kidney damage and failure
Lung contusions and collapsed lungs
Bowel and intestinal injuries

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents turn fatal, families are left with:

The sudden loss of a loved one
Funeral expenses and medical bills
Lost income and financial support
The emotional devastation of sudden, preventable loss

Why Trucking Companies Get Away With It – And How We Stop Them

Trucking companies have spent decades perfecting their playbook for minimizing accident claims. They know exactly what to do in the hours, days, and weeks after a crash to protect their interests – not yours. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

The Rapid Response Team

Within hours of an accident, the trucking company deploys a team of investigators, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys. Their mission? To gather evidence that protects the company, not to uncover the truth about what happened.

The Evidence Destruction Timeline

Critical evidence disappears quickly:

Black box data (ECM/EDR) can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD logs may be retained for only 6 months
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
Physical evidence like the truck and trailer may be repaired or sold
Witness memories fade within weeks

The Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance adjusters are trained to:

Make quick, lowball settlement offers before you understand your injuries
Get you to admit fault in casual conversations
Record statements that can be used against you
Delay the claims process to pressure you into accepting less
Deny valid claims based on technicalities

The Corporate Playbook

Trucking companies rely on:

Complex corporate structures to hide assets
Limited liability companies to shield parent corporations
Independent contractor designations to avoid responsibility
Aggressive defense attorneys to intimidate victims

How We Fight Back for Memphis Families

At Attorney911, we’ve developed a counter-playbook based on decades of experience fighting trucking companies. Our approach is specifically designed for the unique challenges of Hall County trucking accidents:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to secure critical evidence:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve all evidence
Download ECM/black box data before it’s overwritten
Obtain ELD records to prove hours of service violations
Preserve dashcam footage from the truck and nearby businesses
Document the accident scene before it’s cleared
Interview witnesses before memories fade

Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation leaves no stone unturned:

Driver Qualification File – Was the driver properly vetted and trained?
Maintenance Records – Was the truck properly maintained?
Cargo Documentation – Was the load properly secured?
Dispatch Records – Was the driver pressured to violate hours of service?
Cell Phone Records – Was the driver distracted?
Toxicology Reports – Was the driver impaired?
Previous Violations – Does the company have a pattern of safety violations?

Hall County-Specific Knowledge

We understand the unique factors that contribute to trucking accidents in our community:

Highway 287’s long, straight stretches that encourage speeding
The mix of local and commercial traffic on our rural roads
Agricultural trucking patterns that peak during harvest seasons
Local weather conditions that create unique hazards
The limited emergency response resources in rural areas
The specific challenges of our local court system

Proving Negligence with FMCSA Regulations

We use federal trucking regulations as powerful evidence of negligence. Common violations we find in Memphis trucking accidents include:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

11-Hour Driving Limit – Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour On-Duty Window – Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
30-Minute Break Rule – Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-Hour Restart – Drivers can reset their weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Hiring unqualified drivers without proper background checks
Failing to maintain Driver Qualification Files with required documentation
Allowing drivers to operate without valid CDLs or medical certifications
Ignoring previous violations or accidents in hiring decisions

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake system failures due to improper maintenance
Tire blowouts from worn or improperly inflated tires
Lighting and visibility issues from burned-out bulbs or missing reflectors
Cargo securement failures causing loads to shift or spill

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Inadequate tiedowns that fail during transport
Improper load distribution causing instability
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing for specific cargo types
Overloading beyond vehicle capacity creating dangerous conditions

The Memphis, Texas Trucking Accident Cases We Handle

Our experience covers every type of trucking accident that occurs on Hall County roads:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it creates a massive obstacle that sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents often occur on Highway 287 when drivers brake suddenly or take curves too fast.

Underride Collisions

One of the most deadly accident types, underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer. The trailer often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries. These accidents are particularly common at intersections and when trucks make wide turns.

Tire Blowouts

With 18 wheels on every truck, tire failures are a constant risk. Blowouts on Highway 287 can cause the driver to lose control, leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. We investigate whether the blowout was caused by poor maintenance, overloading, or manufacturing defects.

Rollover Accidents

The high center of gravity on 18-wheelers makes them prone to rollovers, especially on rural roads with uneven surfaces or sharp curves. These accidents often result in cargo spills that create additional hazards for other drivers.

Blind Spot Collisions

Trucks have massive blind spots – especially on the right side – where passenger vehicles disappear from view. Lane changes into these “No-Zones” cause sideswipe accidents and force other vehicles off the road.

Wide Turn Accidents

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, they create dangerous gaps that other drivers may try to enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap. These accidents are common at intersections in downtown Memphis.

Brake Failures

With the heavy loads they carry, trucks require properly maintained brake systems. Brake failures on the long downhill stretches near Memphis can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions.

Fatigue-Related Crashes

When drivers violate hours of service regulations and drive while exhausted, their reaction times slow and their judgment becomes impaired. These accidents often occur in the early morning hours when drivers are fighting to stay awake.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Cell phone use, GPS devices, and dispatch communications all contribute to distracted driving accidents. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction played a role in your accident.

Impaired Driving Accidents

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. We obtain toxicology reports and drug test results to prove impairment.

Cargo Spill Accidents

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transport or spill onto the roadway. These accidents are particularly dangerous when hazardous materials are involved.

Who We Hold Accountable for Your Injuries

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

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

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be liable for:

Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions
Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
Negligent training that fails to teach safe practices
Negligent supervision of driver performance
Negligent maintenance of vehicles
Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

The Cargo Owner

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries

The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight limits
Failing to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects in truck components
Manufacturing defects in critical systems
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Ignoring carrier safety records

Government Entities

In limited cases, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain safe roads
Inadequate signage or lighting
Improper work zone setup

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different

When you’re fighting against trucking companies and their powerful insurance carriers, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specific advantages:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He’s seen every trick in the trucking company playbook and knows how to counter them.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that other firms can’t.

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate and minimize claims. This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in negotiations and litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims across Texas, including:

$5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
$3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case
$2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
Millions more for families devastated by wrongful death

Hall County Local Knowledge

We understand the unique challenges of trucking accidents in our community:

The specific hazards of Highway 287 and local roads
The agricultural trucking patterns that affect our area
The limited emergency response resources in rural areas
The local court system and how to navigate it effectively

Bilingual Services

With Hall County’s diverse population, we offer fluent Spanish-language services through our associate attorney Lupe Peña and bilingual staff. Hablamos Español.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We’re available around the clock to respond to your emergency.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Memphis, Texas

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Hall County, what you do in the next few hours and days can make or break your case. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

At the Scene

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately
Document everything – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
- The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs)
- Your injuries
- The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
- Any visible cargo or spilled materials
Collect information – Get:
- The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and contact information
- Insurance information for all involved parties
- Contact information for witnesses
Don’t admit fault – Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you later
Don’t give statements – Politely decline to give recorded statements to insurance adjusters

In the Days Following

Follow up with medical care – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
Document your recovery – Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your daily life
Preserve evidence – Keep all damaged property, clothing, and medical records
Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
Consult an attorney – Contact Attorney911 as soon as possible to protect your rights

What NOT to Do

Don’t accept quick settlement offers – Insurance companies offer quick settlements to pay you less than you deserve
Don’t sign anything without having it reviewed by an attorney
Don’t delay medical treatment – Gaps in treatment can be used to argue your injuries aren’t serious
Don’t discuss your case with anyone except your attorney
Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been thoroughly documented

The Legal Process: What to Expect

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Memphis trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

Free Consultation

We start with a free, no-obligation consultation where we:

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

Case Investigation

If we take your case, we immediately begin a comprehensive investigation:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
Download ECM/black box data
Secure ELD records
Interview witnesses
Analyze medical records
Consult with accident reconstruction experts

Medical Treatment

We help you get the medical care you need:

Connect you with local healthcare providers
Ensure proper documentation of your injuries
Monitor your treatment progress
Calculate future medical needs

Demand Package

Once your treatment is complete, we prepare a comprehensive demand package that includes:

Detailed description of the accident
Analysis of liability
Summary of your injuries and treatment
Calculation of economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
Calculation of non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
Documentation of all losses

Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies:

Present your demand package
Counter lowball offers
Use our trial experience as leverage
Fight for maximum compensation

Litigation

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court:

File a lawsuit in the appropriate court
Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
Present evidence at trial
Fight for a jury verdict in your favor

Resolution

Your case will resolve through:

Settlement agreement
Jury verdict
Court judgment

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

In a trucking accident case, you may be entitled to various types of compensation:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages – Income lost due to your injuries
Lost earning capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-pocket expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life care costs – Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering – Physical pain from your injuries
Mental anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
Disfigurement – Scarring and visible injuries
Loss of consortium – Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Physical impairment – Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

The Hall County Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This may seem like a long time, but in trucking accident cases, it’s critical to act quickly:

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
Witness memories fade over time
The sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be

Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact Attorney911 as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Memphis Trucking Accident Case?

When you’re up against trucking companies and their powerful insurance carriers, you need a law firm with specific advantages:

We Know the Trucking Industry

We’ve handled cases against major trucking companies operating in Hall County, including:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Local agricultural carriers

We Understand FMCSA Regulations

We know the federal trucking regulations inside and out. We use violations of these regulations to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

We Have Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas allows us to handle complex interstate trucking cases that other firms can’t.

We Offer Bilingual Services

With Hall County’s diverse population, we offer fluent Spanish-language services through our associate attorney Lupe Peña and bilingual staff.

We’re Available 24/7

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We’re available around the clock to respond to your emergency.

We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. This means:

No hourly fees
No retainers
No financial risk to you
We’re motivated to maximize your recovery

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients consistently tell us we treat them like family, not just case numbers. Here’s what some of our clients have said:

“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

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

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

Our Commitment to the Memphis Community

At Attorney911, we’re proud to serve the Memphis, Texas community. We understand the unique challenges our neighbors face, and we’re committed to making Hall County a safer place for everyone who travels our roads.

We support local organizations and initiatives that make our community stronger, including:

Hall County food banks and shelters
Local schools and youth sports programs
Community safety initiatives
Agricultural education programs
Local law enforcement appreciation events

When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing a law firm that’s invested in our community and committed to making it a better place for all of us.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Memphis, Texas or anywhere in Hall County, don’t wait to get the help you need. Every hour you wait, evidence disappears and your case becomes harder to prove.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options.

Remember:

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
We offer bilingual services – Hablamos Español
We’re available 24/7 – trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule
We have 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
We treat you like family, not a case number

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Memphis?

After a trucking accident in Hall County, take these steps:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
Document the scene with photos and videos
Get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information
Collect witness contact information
Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

How quickly should I contact a trucking accident attorney?

Contact an attorney as soon as possible – ideally within 24-48 hours. Critical evidence in trucking cases can disappear quickly, and we need to send spoliation letters to preserve it.

What evidence is most important in a trucking accident case?

The most important evidence in trucking accident cases includes:

ECM/black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Drug and alcohol test results
Cell phone records
Dashcam footage
Witness statements
Accident scene photos

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Memphis?

You may be able to sue multiple parties, including:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo owner
The loading company
Truck or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Freight brokers
Government entities (in limited cases)

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
Your medical expenses (past and future)
Your lost wages and earning capacity
Your pain and suffering
The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more, which allows for larger recoveries in serious injury cases.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case:

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. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to court.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

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

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

The FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. Sending this letter immediately puts the company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

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
Engine RPM and throttle position
Following distance
GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue comprehensive records, including:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
Impose monetary sanctions
Enter default judgment in extreme cases
Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find in Memphis trucking accidents include:

Hours of service violations (driving too long)
False log entries (lying about driving time)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

Employment application
Driving record check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug test results
Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

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

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil/petroleum
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

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

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

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. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy should still cover your claim. We investigate all potential sources of recovery to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to:

Document your current medical needs
Project future medical requirements
Calculate the cost of future care
Include these costs in your demand

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium refers to the impact of your injuries on your marriage and family relationships. This can include:

Loss of companionship
Loss of affection
Loss of sexual relations
Loss of household services

When are punitive damages available?

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

How do product defects create liability?

If a defective truck component (brakes, tires, steering, etc.) contributed to your accident, the manufacturer may be liable for:

Design defects
Manufacturing defects
Failure to warn of known dangers

What if road conditions contributed to my accident?

If dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident, government entities may be liable for:

Poor road design
Inadequate maintenance
Missing or improper signage
Failure to address known hazards

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes, you can recover compensation for PTSD and other psychological injuries resulting from a trucking accident. These injuries can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.

What happens if there’s not enough insurance?

If the at-fault party doesn’t have enough insurance, your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage may apply. We investigate all potential sources of recovery to maximize your compensation.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We prove driver fatigue through:

ELD records showing hours of service violations
Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
Witness testimony about driver behavior
Video evidence from dashcams or security cameras
Expert testimony about the effects of fatigue

What is the FMCSA and how does it help my case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry. We use FMCSA regulations to prove negligence when trucking companies violate safety rules.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes, the FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s safety record to prove patterns of negligence.

What experts do you use in trucking cases?

We work with a network of experts, including:

Accident reconstruction specialists
Medical experts
Vocational experts
Economic experts
Life care planners
Trucking industry experts
FMCSA regulation experts

How are wrongful death damages calculated?

Wrongful death damages are calculated based on:

The decedent’s earning capacity
The decedent’s age and health
The needs of surviving family members
The impact on the family’s quality of life
Funeral and burial expenses

What if I’m an undocumented immigrant injured in a trucking accident?

Your immigration status does not affect your right to recover compensation for your injuries. We handle cases for all members of our community, regardless of immigration status.

How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

We work on contingency – you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, and we only get paid if we win your case.

What if I already talked to the insurance company?

That’s okay. Call us before you say anything else or sign anything. We can still help protect your rights.

What if the trucking company seems nice and cooperative?

They have lawyers and adjusters protecting them. You need someone protecting you. Don’t be fooled by their friendly demeanor – their goal is to pay you as little as possible.

What if I don’t want to sue?

Most cases settle without going to court. We negotiate aggressively for fair settlements. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve, whether through settlement or litigation.

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Memphis, Texas or anywhere in Hall County, time is not on your side. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company is already working to protect their interests – not yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options.