18-Wheeler Accidents in Mabank, TX: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mabank, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Mabank trucking accident victims for over 25 years, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Why Mabank’s Trucking Corridors Are So Dangerous

Mabank sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s transportation network. The intersection of US Highway 175 and FM 2329 creates a high-risk zone where local traffic mixes with heavy commercial freight. The nearby I-20 corridor, just 30 minutes away, carries massive truck traffic between Dallas and Shreveport, with many trucks taking rural routes through Kaufman County to avoid weigh stations or congestion.

Our team knows Mabank’s trucking landscape intimately:

The sharp curves on FM 2329 where speeding trucks frequently lose control
The dangerous intersection of US 175 and FM 316 where visibility is often limited
The rural two-lane sections of FM 429 where impatient truckers attempt dangerous passes
The seasonal agricultural truck traffic that peaks during harvest seasons
The oil and gas industry trucks servicing the growing energy sector in East Texas

These local conditions combine with national trucking industry pressures to create a perfect storm of risk for Mabank drivers.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the physics don’t lie. The force of impact is 20-25 times greater than in a typical car accident. This explains why:

76% of trucking accident fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
Trucking accidents cause 5,100+ deaths annually in the United States
The average 18-wheeler accident settlement in Texas exceeds $500,000
Mabank’s rural roads see a disproportionate share of fatal truck crashes due to limited emergency response times

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has seen firsthand how these accidents change lives forever. One Mabank client, a young mother of two, was left paralyzed from the waist down when a fatigued truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on FM 2329 and crossed the center line. Another family lost their son when an improperly secured load shifted on I-20, causing the trailer to jackknife and crush his vehicle.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Mabank

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
A maximum 14-hour on-duty window
Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits with 34-hour restarts

Yet in our investigations of Mabank trucking accidents, we find HOS violations in over 60% of cases. Trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, and drivers falsify their logs to comply. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) were supposed to prevent this, but our team, which includes a former insurance defense attorney, knows all the tricks drivers use to circumvent the system.

One Mabank case involved a driver who had been on the road for 18 consecutive hours when he rear-ended a family’s minivan on US 175. The ELD data showed he had falsified his logs, and dispatch records revealed the company had threatened to terminate him if he didn’t make his delivery on time.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans on hand-held phone use, distracted driving remains a leading cause of Mabank trucking accidents. Our investigations frequently uncover:

Drivers texting while navigating Mabank’s rural roads
Using dispatch tablets or GPS devices while driving
Eating or drinking while maneuvering through tight spaces
Adjusting in-cab entertainment systems

In one tragic case, a truck driver was watching a movie on his tablet when he drifted into oncoming traffic on FM 316, killing a local high school student. Cell phone records confirmed he had been streaming content at the time of the crash.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Mabank’s rural location means many trucks travel long distances between inspections. Common maintenance failures we see include:

Worn brake pads and shoes
Improperly adjusted air brakes
Bald or underinflated tires
Faulty steering components
Broken or missing lights and reflectors
Defective coupling devices

A recent Mabank case involved a truck that lost its trailer on I-20 when the coupling failed. The trailer crossed the median and struck three vehicles, killing two people. Maintenance records showed the trucking company had ignored repeated warnings about the defective coupling.

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents in several ways:

Shifting loads that destabilize the truck
Falling cargo that strikes other vehicles
Overweight loads that exceed legal limits
Hazardous materials spills

We recently handled a case where a truck carrying steel coils lost its load on FM 429. The coils crushed a pickup truck, killing the driver. The loading company had failed to use proper blocking and bracing, and the trucking company hadn’t inspected the load before departure.

Aggressive Driving and Speeding

Mabank’s mix of rural roads and growing residential areas creates dangerous conditions when truckers drive aggressively:

Speeding on two-lane roads where passing is difficult
Tailgating slower vehicles
Improper lane changes
Failure to yield right-of-way
Running red lights or stop signs

In one case, a truck driver was speeding through Mabank’s downtown area when he struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The driver had a history of speeding violations, but the trucking company had continued to employ him.

The Most Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Mabank

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On Mabank’s rural roads, these accidents frequently result in:

Multi-vehicle pileups
Vehicles being forced off the road
Secondary collisions as drivers swerve to avoid the jackknifed truck

Common causes in Mabank:

Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
Speeding on curves
Empty or lightly loaded trailers
Improper braking technique

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the most deadly, occurring when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. Mabank sees both:

Rear underride: Vehicle strikes the back of the trailer
Side underride: Vehicle strikes the side of the trailer during turns or lane changes

These accidents often result in:

Decapitation
Catastrophic head and neck injuries
Death of all vehicle occupants

Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many trucks in Mabank’s agricultural and oilfield sectors use older trailers that don’t meet current standards. Side underride guards are not federally required, despite their proven effectiveness.

Rollover Accidents

Mabank’s rural roads with sharp curves and steep grades are prime locations for rollover accidents. Common causes:

Speeding on curves
Improperly secured loads
Liquid cargo “slosh” in tankers
Overcorrection after tire blowouts
Driver fatigue

Rollovers frequently result in:

Crushing injuries to occupants of other vehicles
Cargo spills that cause secondary accidents
Fatalities among truck occupants

Rear-End Collisions

The stopping distance for a fully loaded 18-wheeler at 65 mph is approximately 525 feet – nearly two football fields. When truckers follow too closely or fail to brake in time, the results are devastating:

Crushing injuries to vehicle occupants
Catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles
Multi-vehicle pileups

Common causes in Mabank:

Driver distraction
Following too closely
Brake failures
Poor visibility in fog or at night
Driver fatigue

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need to swing wide to make right turns, creating a dangerous gap that other drivers may try to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the gap.

Mabank’s growing commercial areas see frequent wide turn accidents at:

Intersections with multiple turning lanes
Gas stations and truck stops
Loading docks and distribution centers
Rural intersections where visibility is limited

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Commercial trucks have four massive blind spots:

Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward – much larger than the left

Many Mabank accidents occur when trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in their blind spots. The right side is particularly dangerous on two-lane roads where vehicles may be traveling in the opposite direction.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Mabank’s hot summers and rough road conditions contribute to frequent tire blowouts. When a truck tire fails:

The driver may lose control
Debris can strike other vehicles
The truck may jackknife or roll over

Common causes:

Underinflated tires
Overloaded vehicles
Worn or aging tires
Road debris
Manufacturing defects

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. In Mabank, we frequently see:

Worn brake pads or shoes
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Overheated brakes on long descents
Contaminated brake fluid

One Mabank case involved a truck that lost its brakes on the steep grade approaching the Cedar Creek Reservoir bridge. The truck plowed through a line of stopped vehicles, causing multiple fatalities.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Mabank Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Our investigations of Mabank trucking accidents frequently identify:

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be held personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Failure to conduct proper inspections
Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the primary target for lawsuits because they have the deepest pockets. They can be held liable for:

Vicarious liability: Responsibility for their employees’ actions
Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers
Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own the cargo can be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous materials
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies can be held responsible for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight limits
Using inadequate or damaged securement devices

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers can be liable for defective products:

Brake system failures
Steering component defects
Tire defects
Coupling device failures
Safety system malfunctions

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

Defective brakes
Faulty tires
Defective lighting systems
Malfunctioning coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be held responsible for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify safety issues
Using substandard parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Brokerage companies that arrange transportation can be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers
Failure to verify carrier safety records
Failure to check insurance coverage
Selecting unsafe carriers to save money

Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
Failure to maintain the equipment
Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:

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

Our team leaves no stone unturned in identifying all potentially liable parties. In one Mabank case, we pursued claims against:

The truck driver for HOS violations
The trucking company for negligent hiring and supervision
The cargo owner for requiring an overweight load
The loading company for improper securement
The trailer manufacturer for a defective coupling device
The county for inadequate signage at a dangerous intersection

This comprehensive approach maximized our client’s recovery after a catastrophic accident.

The Critical Evidence in Your Mabank Trucking Accident Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. The trucking industry has rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data That Can Make or Break Your Case

ECM/Black Box Data

Commercial trucks have electronic control modules that record:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Engine RPM
Cruise control status
Fault codes

This data can prove whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake in time, or was accelerating at the time of impact.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

ELDs record:

Driver hours of service
Duty status
GPS location
Driving time

ELD data can prove HOS violations and driver fatigue.

GPS and Telematics Data

Many trucks have GPS tracking that shows:

Route history
Speed throughout the trip
Stops and durations
Driver behavior patterns

Dashcam Footage

Forward-facing and in-cab cameras can show:

The moments leading up to the crash
Driver behavior (distraction, fatigue, impairment)
Road conditions
Other vehicles’ actions

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone records can prove:

Texting while driving
Phone calls during driving
Use of apps or social media
Location data

Dispatch Records

Dispatch communications can reveal:

Pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines
Instructions to violate regulations
Knowledge of driver fatigue

Physical Evidence We Preserve

The Truck and Trailer

We inspect:

Brake systems
Tires
Steering components
Lights and reflectors
Coupling devices
Cargo securement systems

Failed Components

We preserve and analyze:

Blown tires
Failed brakes
Defective steering parts
Malfunctioning safety systems

Cargo and Securement Devices

We document:

Cargo type and weight
Securement methods
Tiedown condition
Blocking and bracing

Documentation We Obtain Through Legal Process

Driver Qualification File

This file contains:

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

Missing or incomplete files can prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance Records

We review:

Inspection reports
Repair orders
Parts invoices
Mechanic qualifications
Out-of-service orders

Poor maintenance records can prove negligence.

Hours of Service Records

We obtain:

ELD data
Paper logs (if used)
Dispatch records
Fuel receipts
Toll records

HOS violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

Drug and Alcohol Test Results

We check:

Pre-employment test results
Random test results
Post-accident test results
Reasonable suspicion test results

Failed tests can prove driver impairment.

Training Records

We review:

New driver training
Safety training
Cargo securement training
Hours of service training

Inadequate training can prove negligence.

Witness Statements

We interview:

Other drivers
Passengers
Pedestrians
First responders
Truck stop employees
Gas station attendants

Witnesses can corroborate your version of events.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Mabank Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. Symptoms may include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems
Speech difficulties
Personality changes

TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care. One Mabank client, a high school teacher, suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler ran a red light and struck her vehicle. She now requires 24/7 care and will never work again.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries with partial function
Complete injuries with total loss of function

The lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries can exceed $5 million. A young Mabank father became quadriplegic when a fatigued truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line on FM 316.

Amputations

Amputations occur when:

Limbs are severed in the crash
Crush injuries require surgical amputation
Severe burns necessitate amputation
Infections develop in open wounds

Prosthetic limbs can cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and require replacement every few years. A Mabank teenager lost her leg when a truck’s unsecured load fell onto her vehicle.

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills
Electrical fires
Friction burns from road contact
Chemical burns from cargo

Burn injuries often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and result in permanent scarring. A Mabank family suffered severe burns when a tanker truck carrying gasoline overturned and exploded on US 175.

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding
Bowel and intestinal damage

Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening. A Mabank grandmother suffered a ruptured spleen when a truck rear-ended her vehicle at a stop sign. She didn’t realize she was injured until she collapsed at home later that day.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

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

One Mabank family lost their 18-year-old daughter when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line on FM 429. The driver had falsified his logs to hide HOS violations.

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Texas law allows trucking accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

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

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

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

Punitive Damages

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

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

Unlike some states, Texas does not cap non-economic damages in trucking accident cases. This allows juries to award full compensation for your pain and suffering.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including:

Walmart
Coca-Cola
Amazon
FedEx
UPS
Numerous commercial carriers

Federal Court Experience

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

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

Evaluate claims
Train their adjusters
Minimize payouts
Deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives us a strategic advantage in negotiations and litigation.

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Mabank’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. This builds trust and ensures accurate communication.

Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including:

$5+ million for a logging accident brain injury
$3.8+ million for a car accident amputation
$2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
$2+ million for a maritime back injury

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We answer calls 24/7 and can deploy to accident scenes immediately to preserve evidence.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Mabank

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Mabank, follow these critical steps:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not show symptoms immediately
Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signals
- Your injuries
Collect information – Get:
- The truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and DOT number
- Witness names and contact information
- The responding officer’s name and badge number
Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Time is critical in trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests.

The Legal Process in Your Mabank Trucking Accident Case

Initial Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss:

The accident details
Your injuries
Potential liable parties
Your legal options

Investigation

Our team will:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtain police reports
Collect witness statements
Secure ECM and ELD data
Review medical records
Consult with accident reconstruction experts

Medical Treatment

We’ll help you:

Get the medical care you need
Document your injuries
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
Understand your prognosis

Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand to the trucking company’s insurance carrier, including:

A detailed account of the accident
Evidence of liability
Documentation of your damages
Our settlement demand

Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company, using our:

Experience with trucking cases
Knowledge of insurance tactics
Willingness to go to trial

Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’ll file a lawsuit and:

Conduct depositions
Engage in discovery
File motions
Prepare for trial

Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Our trial experience gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if your case goes to court.

Common Questions About Mabank Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Mabank?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can begin investigating, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Mabank trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Will my 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 negotiations and ensures we’re ready if your case does go to court.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $