18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Hallsville, Texas | Attorney911

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hallsville, Texas, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of trucking cases on East Texas highways. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Hallsville Trucking Accidents Are Different

Hallsville sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking corridors. I-20 runs just south of town, connecting Shreveport to Dallas with a steady stream of commercial traffic. US-59 and Loop 281 see heavy truck traffic serving the oil and gas industry, local agriculture, and regional distribution centers. The combination of high-speed interstate traffic and local truck routes creates dangerous conditions for passenger vehicles.

Our team has handled trucking cases on every major highway in the Hallsville area, from the I-20 corridor to the rural roads where oilfield trucks and agricultural haulers operate. We know the local courts, the common accident patterns, and how to build the strongest possible case for Hallsville residents.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• At 65 mph, a truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• The force of impact can crush vehicles, eject occupants, and cause life-altering injuries

In Hallsville, we’ve seen these accidents cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from violent impacts
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis from crushing forces
• Amputations when victims are trapped in wreckage
• Severe burns from fuel fires and hazmat spills
• Wrongful death of entire families

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Hallsville

Our experience with Hallsville-area trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers on I-20 are often pushing to meet tight delivery deadlines. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations exist to prevent fatigue-related crashes, but we frequently find violations in Hallsville cases:

• Drivers exceeding the 11-hour driving limit
• Failing to take required 30-minute breaks
• Falsifying logbooks (even with ELDs)
• Working beyond the 14-hour duty window

These violations are especially common among oilfield haulers and long-haul drivers passing through East Texas.

Distracted Driving

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major issue on Hallsville’s highways:

• Texting while driving (strictly prohibited by FMCSA)
• Using GPS or dispatch systems
• Eating or drinking behind the wheel
• Adjusting radios or entertainment systems

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Hallsville’s proximity to oilfield operations means we see many maintenance-related accidents:

• Brake failures from deferred maintenance
• Tire blowouts from improper inflation or worn treads
• Lighting and visibility issues
• Coupling device failures

Cargo Securement Problems

Improperly loaded or secured cargo causes many Hallsville-area accidents:

• Shifting loads that destabilize trucks
• Overweight vehicles that can’t stop in time
• Falling cargo that strikes other vehicles
• Hazardous material spills

Wide Turn Accidents

Hallsville’s mix of rural roads and urban areas creates frequent wide turn accidents:

• Trucks swinging wide to make right turns
• Drivers misjudging trailer clearance
• Passenger vehicles getting caught in the “squeeze play”

Why You Need a Hallsville 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

After a trucking accident in Hallsville, the clock starts ticking on critical evidence. Here’s what happens if you wait:

• Black box data disappears in as little as 30 days
• ELD records get overwritten after 6 months
• Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks
• Witness memories fade within days
• Physical evidence gets repaired or scrapped

Our firm acts immediately to preserve this evidence. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:

• ECM/black box data
• ELD records
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance records
• Cargo loading documentation
• Cell phone records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam footage

How We Prove Negligence in Hallsville Trucking Cases

Building a strong trucking accident case requires specialized knowledge and resources. Our Hallsville trucking accident attorneys use multiple strategies to prove negligence:

1. FMCSA Regulation Violations

We analyze every aspect of the trucking company’s operations for violations of federal regulations:

• 49 CFR Part 391 – Driver qualification standards
• 49 CFR Part 392 – Driving rules (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
• 49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle safety standards
• 49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of service regulations
• 49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and maintenance requirements

Common violations we find in Hallsville cases include:

• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Failing to conduct proper background checks
• Allowing drivers to operate without valid medical certificates
• Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules
• Failing to maintain proper maintenance records
• Ignoring known vehicle defects

2. Electronic Evidence Analysis

Modern trucks are rolling data recorders. We obtain and analyze:

• ECM/Black Box Data – Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records – Prove hours of service violations and fatigue
• GPS/Telematics – Reveals route, speed, and driving patterns
• Cell Phone Records – Documents distracted driving
• Dashcam Footage – Provides visual evidence of driver behavior

3. Corporate Negligence Investigation

We dig deep into the trucking company’s operations to find patterns of negligence:

• Safety culture and policies
• Hiring practices
• Training programs
• Maintenance procedures
• Dispatch and scheduling practices
• Previous accident history
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

4. Accident Reconstruction

For complex Hallsville trucking accidents, we work with expert accident reconstructionists who:

• Analyze skid marks and debris patterns
• Reconstruct the sequence of events
• Determine speeds and impact forces
• Identify contributing factors
• Create visual simulations for court

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Hallsville Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. In Hallsville cases, we investigate liability against:

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving (HOS violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Both vicarious liability and direct negligence:

• Vicarious Liability – Responsible for driver’s actions within scope of employment
• Negligent Hiring – Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
• Negligent Training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision – Failing to monitor driver behavior
• Negligent Maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent Scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

Cargo Owners and Shippers

Liability for:

• Improper loading instructions
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

Cargo Loading Companies

Responsible for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Product liability for:

• Defective brake systems
• Faulty tires
• Steering component failures
• Lighting system defects
• Coupling device failures

Maintenance Companies

Liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Potential liability for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Hallsville

Our experience with Hallsville-area trucking accidents has identified several common accident scenarios:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On I-20 near Hallsville, these accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups.

Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding, especially on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the deadliest trucking accidents, occurring when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. In Hallsville, we’ve seen these accidents on both I-20 and local roads.

Types:

• Rear Underride – Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride – Vehicle impacts side of trailer (no federal guard requirement)

Common Causes:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions (night, fog, rain)
• Truck lane changes into blind spots
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in the Hallsville area, where trucks navigate curves on I-20 and rural roads.

Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves (especially exit ramps)
• Top-heavy loads (common with oilfield equipment)
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction
• Road design defects (inadequate banking on curves)

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots – the “No-Zones” – where drivers can’t see other vehicles. In Hallsville, these accidents frequently occur during lane changes on I-20.

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone – Smaller area extending backward from cab
4. Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot extending backward from cab

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Hallsville’s mix of rural roads and urban areas creates frequent wide turn accidents. Trucks need to swing wide to complete right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter.

Common Causes:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
• Improper turn technique
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turns

Tire Blowout Accidents

With Hallsville’s proximity to oilfield operations, we see many tire-related accidents involving heavy equipment haulers.

Common Causes:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Hallsville, we frequently see brake failures on long downhill grades.

Common Causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo causes many Hallsville-area accidents, especially with oilfield equipment and agricultural hauls.

Types:

• Cargo Shift – Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo Spill – Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat Spill – Hazardous materials leak or spill

Common Causes:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

Catastrophic Injuries from Hallsville Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. In Hallsville cases, we’ve seen:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work
• Need for ongoing care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury – Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury – No nerve function below injury

Level of Injury Matters:

• Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the crash or must be surgically removed due to severe damage.

Types:

• Traumatic Amputation – Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical Amputation – Limb so severely damaged it must be removed

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns are common in Hallsville trucking accidents, especially with fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills.

Burn Classification:

• First Degree – Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree – Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree – Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree – Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Insurance and Damages in Hallsville Trucking Cases

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

• Non-Hazardous Freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR): $750,000
• Oil/Petroleum (10,001+ lbs GVWR): $1,000,000
• Large Equipment (10,001+ lbs GVWR): $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials (All): $5,000,000
• Passengers (16+ passengers): $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Texas

In Hallsville trucking accident cases, we pursue:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (past and future)
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs (ongoing care for catastrophic injuries)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
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)

Texas law allows punitive damages up to the greater of:

• (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000)
• OR $200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements in Texas

While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking cases demonstrate what juries are willing to award when trucking companies are held accountable:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million – Werner Settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $90 Million – Houston truck driver burned in explosion
• $37.5 Million – Trucking verdict in Texas
• $35.5 Million – Family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (largest in Tarrant County)

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hallsville Trucking Case?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident in Hallsville, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specialized expertise and a track record of success against trucking companies.

1. Decades of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases across Texas. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• Deep familiarity with Hallsville trucking corridors and accident patterns

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He spent years working for a national defense firm, learning:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle
• How they deny claims
• How they use claims valuation software to undervalue your suffering

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

3. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims, 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

Our clients consistently praise our results, communication, and dedication:

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

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

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

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence in your Hallsville trucking case:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Subpoena ELD records and cell phone data
• Secure dashcam footage
• Preserve the truck and trailer for inspection
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

5. Comprehensive Investigation Approach

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

• Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

  • Accept case and send preservation letters same day
  • Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
  • Obtain police crash report
  • Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
  • Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
  • Identify all potentially liable parties

• Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

  • Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
  • Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
  • Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
  • Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
  • Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
  • Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
  • Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
  • Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

• Phase 3: Expert Analysis

  • Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
  • Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
  • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
  • Economic experts determine present value of all damages
  • Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
  • FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

• Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

  • File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
  • Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
  • Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
  • Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
  • Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

6. Federal Court Capability

Our federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

7. Bilingual Services for Hallsville’s Hispanic Community

Hallsville has a growing Hispanic community, and many truck drivers in East Texas are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

8. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hallsville

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Hallsville, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 and report the accident – Request police and emergency medical services
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
3. Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Skid marks and debris patterns
   • Street signs and traffic signals
   • Your injuries
4. Get information from the truck driver:
   • Name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
5. Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company without consulting an attorney
7. Call Attorney911 immediately – At 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Common Questions About Hallsville Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Hallsville, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Hallsville’s CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and other local hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Hallsville?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Hallsville?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Hallsville?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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 carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable 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 50% or less at 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.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

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

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 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 airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• 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. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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:

• 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:

• 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 injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Hallsville?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

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

Case values depend on many factors:

• 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 ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

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

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 long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Hallsville?

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. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Hallsville Trucking Accident Case

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hallsville, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com

Our Hallsville trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.