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City of Mount Calm’s Premier 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello – Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Champion, BP Explosion Litigation Veteran, and Federal Court-Admitted Trial Attorney – With Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Every Denial Tactic, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, and All 18-Wheeler Crash Types, Catastrophic Injury Experts (TBI, Spinal Cord, Amputation, Wrongful Death), $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, 1-888-ATTY-911 – Trusted Since 1998 with 4.9★ Google Rating (251+ Reviews), Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices Serving City of Mount Calm and Beyond

February 13, 2026 31 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Mount Calm, Texas | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. Eighty thousand pounds of steel against your sedan. In that moment on Mount Calm’s highways, everything changed. One second you’re driving home from work, the next you’re fighting for your life in a hospital bed. The trucking company has lawyers working before the ambulance even arrives. What do you do?

At Attorney911, we fight for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents in Mount Calm and across Hill County. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. We know the Mount Calm trucking corridors, the local courts, and exactly how to build cases that win.

Why Mount Calm 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Mount Calm sits at the crossroads of critical Texas trucking routes. I-35, US-77, and State Highway 31 all pass through or near our community, bringing massive commercial traffic. The distribution centers and agricultural operations in Hill County generate constant truck traffic through our streets. When accidents happen here, they’re often catastrophic.

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve:

  • Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA)
  • Multiple liable parties
  • Massive insurance policies
  • Complex evidence preservation
  • Catastrophic injuries

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Mount Calm

Jackknife Accidents on I-35 and US-77

The sudden braking. The trailer swinging wide. The sickening realization that the truck is out of control. Jackknife accidents are common on Mount Calm’s highways, especially during wet conditions or when drivers brake suddenly to avoid slowed traffic.

Why they happen in Mount Calm:

  • Sudden traffic slowdowns near the I-35/US-77 interchange
  • Wet conditions on rural stretches of highway
  • Improperly loaded trailers shifting weight
  • Brake failures from deferred maintenance

Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Mount Calm’s rural character means many unprotected intersections where trucks make wide turns. When passenger vehicles get caught in the gap, the results are often fatal. The trailer height shears off the top of smaller vehicles, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Where they happen in Mount Calm:

  • Intersections along State Highway 31
  • Farm-to-market road crossings
  • Rural driveways where trucks turn onto highways

Rollover Accidents on Curves

The rolling hills and curves of Hill County create dangerous conditions for top-heavy 18-wheelers. When drivers take curves too fast or cargo shifts, rollovers can block multiple lanes of traffic.

High-risk areas in Mount Calm:

  • Curves on State Highway 31
  • Highway ramps near I-35
  • Rural roads with sudden elevation changes

Rear-End Collisions on Highways

With Mount Calm’s position along major freight corridors, rear-end collisions are common when trucks fail to stop in time. The massive weight disparity means these accidents often cause life-altering injuries.

Common locations:

  • I-35 through Mount Calm
  • US-77 near the city limits
  • Highway 31 approaching town

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Mount Calm Trucking Cases

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. The average passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20 times that. When these forces collide, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent forces of a trucking accident can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even with modern safety features, TBIs are common in Mount Calm trucking accidents.

Symptoms we see:

  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Severe headaches and dizziness
  • Personality changes and mood swings
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Permanent disability

“After my accident on I-35, I couldn’t remember my own children’s names. The trucking company’s insurance offered me $50,000. Attorney911 fought for me and secured a settlement that covered my lifetime of medical care.”
— James R., Mount Calm

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is vulnerable in trucking accidents. When damaged, the results can be permanent paralysis.

Types of paralysis:

  • Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
  • Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
  • Incomplete injuries (some function remains)

Lifetime care costs:

  • Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million

Amputations

The crushing forces of trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of severely damaged limbs.

Common in Mount Calm cases:

  • Limbs caught in wreckage
  • Crush injuries requiring amputation
  • Infections from open wounds

Ongoing needs:

  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological counseling
  • Home modifications

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause severe burns in trucking accidents.

Burn severity:

  • First degree: Epidermis only
  • Second degree: Epidermis and dermis
  • Third degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts)
  • Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

“The truck that hit me was carrying hazardous materials. The fire spread so quickly. Attorney911 helped me get the compensation I needed for my skin grafts and ongoing treatment.”
— Maria T., Mount Calm

Internal Organ Damage

The forces of a trucking accident can cause internal injuries that aren’t immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

Common internal injuries:

  • Liver lacerations
  • Spleen damage
  • Kidney trauma
  • Internal bleeding
  • Lung contusions

The Trucking Companies We Fight in Mount Calm Cases

Mount Calm’s position along major freight corridors means we see accidents involving all types of commercial carriers:

Major national carriers:

  • Swift Transportation (major presence in Texas)
  • Werner Enterprises (Dallas hub)
  • Heartland Express
  • J.B. Hunt Transport
  • Schneider National

Regional carriers serving Mount Calm:

  • Local agricultural haulers
  • Hill County distribution companies
  • Oilfield service trucking
  • Livestock transporters

Specialized carriers:

  • Hazmat transporters
  • Oversize load carriers
  • Refrigerated freight haulers
  • Flatbed and heavy equipment transporters

Why You Need a Mount Calm 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast

In trucking accident cases, critical evidence disappears quickly. The trucking company has rapid-response teams working to protect their interests within hours of an accident.

Critical evidence at risk:

  • ECM/Black Box Data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
  • ELD records (only required to be kept 6 months)
  • Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
  • Surveillance video (business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days)
  • Physical evidence (trucks may be repaired or scrapped)

What we do immediately:

  • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
  • Demand immediate download of ECM/ELD data
  • Secure physical evidence before it’s destroyed
  • Obtain police reports and witness statements

The Insurance Company is Not on Your Side

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will contact you quickly – often within hours. Their job is to minimize your claim, not help you recover.

Common insurance tactics:

  • Quick lowball settlement offers
  • Recorded statements used against you
  • Delaying the claims process
  • Blaming you for the accident
  • Minimizing your injuries

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. He knows exactly how insurance companies minimize claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.”

Multiple Parties May Be Liable

Unlike typical car accidents, trucking cases often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

Potentially liable parties:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company (motor carrier)
  • The cargo owner
  • The loading company
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

How We Build Winning 18-Wheeler Cases for Mount Calm Families

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we take action to preserve critical evidence:

  1. Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
  2. Demand immediate download of ECM/Black Box data
  3. Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
  4. Obtain surveillance video from nearby businesses
  5. Photograph the scene before it changes
  6. Preserve the truck and trailer before repairs
  7. Gather witness statements before memories fade

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Driver Investigation:

  • Complete Driver Qualification File
  • Employment application and background check
  • Driving record and previous employers
  • Medical certification and drug test history
  • Training records and certifications
  • Previous accident and violation history

Vehicle Investigation:

  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
  • Out-of-service orders and repairs
  • Tire records and replacement history
  • Brake inspection and adjustment records
  • Parts purchase and installation records

Company Investigation:

  • Hours of service records for 6 months prior
  • Dispatch logs and trip records
  • Bills of lading and cargo documentation
  • Insurance policies
  • Safety policies and procedures
  • Training curricula
  • Hiring and supervision policies

Expert Analysis

We work with top experts to build your case:

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

The FMCSA Violations We Find in Mount Calm Trucking Cases

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The most commonly violated regulations – and among the most dangerous.

Key HOS rules:

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

Why violations matter:
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate HOS rules are too tired to react safely.

How we prove violations:

  • ELD data showing driving time
  • Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
  • Driver logs (when still used)
  • Fuel receipts and toll records
  • GPS and telematics data

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must carefully vet their drivers.

Key DQ requirements:

  • Complete employment application
  • Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for max 2 years)
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
  • Drug and alcohol test records

Common violations we find:

  • Missing or incomplete DQ files
  • Hiring drivers with poor safety records
  • Failing to check previous employers
  • Allowing drivers to operate with expired medical certificates
  • Hiring drivers with disqualifying violations

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Proper maintenance is critical for safety.

Key maintenance requirements:

  • Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
  • Driver pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  • Annual comprehensive inspections
  • Record retention for 1 year

Common violations:

  • Deferred maintenance to save costs
  • Failure to conduct required inspections
  • Ignoring known defects
  • Using substandard or wrong parts
  • Poor brake maintenance and adjustment

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills.

Key securement requirements:

  • Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
  • Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward
  • Must withstand 0.5g acceleration rearward and laterally
  • Must withstand 20% of cargo weight downward
  • Specific requirements for different cargo types

Common violations:

  • Inadequate number of tiedowns
  • Improper load distribution
  • Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
  • Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
  • Overloading beyond securement capacity

What Your Mount Calm 18-Wheeler Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically settle for much higher amounts than typical car accidents because:

  1. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
  2. The injuries are usually more severe
  3. Multiple parties may be liable
  4. FMCSA violations create strong liability cases

Typical settlement ranges in Mount Calm cases:

Injury Type Settlement Range
Soft Tissue (Whiplash) $15,000 – $60,000
Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) $50,000 – $200,000
Herniated Disc (With Surgery) $346,000 – $1,205,000
Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
Spinal Cord Injury $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
Amputation $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
Wrongful Death $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

Damages we pursue for Mount Calm clients:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages (In Cases of Gross Negligence):

  • Available when trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard
  • Designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct
  • No cap in Texas for most personal injury cases

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: What It Means for Your Mount Calm Case

The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts. Juries are holding trucking companies fully accountable for their negligence.

Recent nuclear verdicts in Texas and nationwide:

Amount Year Location Case Details
$730 Million 2021 Texas Ramsey v. Landstar – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
$150 Million 2022 Texas Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30
$37.5 Million 2024 Texas Trucking verdict in catastrophic injury case
$35.5 Million Texas Family injured in truck accident
$462 Million 2024 Missouri Underride decapitation case
$160 Million 2024 Alabama Daimler – Quadriplegic injury from rollover
$1 Billion 2021 Florida I-95 fatality – $100M compensatory + $900M punitive

Why nuclear verdicts happen:

  • Trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
  • Company ignored safety violations for profit
  • Evidence was destroyed (spoliation)
  • Falsified hours-of-service logs
  • Pattern of similar violations
  • Corporate culture prioritizing profit over safety
  • Egregious disregard for human life

What this means for your Mount Calm case:
These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens settlement negotiations for our clients.

Mount Calm’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Mount Calm sits at the intersection of critical Texas trucking routes. Understanding these corridors helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

I-35 Corridor

I-35 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in the United States, connecting Laredo to Minnesota. Through Mount Calm, it carries:

  • NAFTA freight from Mexico
  • Agricultural products from the Midwest
  • Manufactured goods from Texas factories
  • Retail merchandise for Hill County stores

High-risk areas in Mount Calm:

  • The I-35/US-77 interchange
  • Stretches with sudden elevation changes
  • Areas with limited shoulder space
  • Exit and entrance ramps

US-77 Corridor

US-77 runs north-south through Mount Calm, connecting Victoria to the Oklahoma border. It carries:

  • Oilfield equipment and supplies
  • Agricultural products
  • Local freight
  • Passenger vehicles

High-risk areas:

  • Intersections with State Highway 31
  • Rural stretches with limited lighting
  • Areas with sudden traffic slowdowns
  • Curves approaching Mount Calm

State Highway 31

State Highway 31 runs east-west through Mount Calm, connecting Corsicana to Waco. It carries:

  • Local freight
  • Agricultural products
  • Oilfield traffic
  • Passenger vehicles

High-risk areas:

  • Curves and elevation changes
  • Rural intersections
  • Areas with limited shoulder space
  • Approaches to Mount Calm

Farm-to-Market Roads

Mount Calm’s rural character means heavy truck traffic on farm-to-market roads:

  • FM 339
  • FM 73
  • FM 1948

High-risk factors:

  • Narrow lanes
  • Limited visibility
  • Mixed traffic (trucks, agricultural equipment, passenger vehicles)
  • Poor road conditions

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mount Calm 18-Wheeler Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. Our firm has handled cases against:

  • Walmart trucking operations
  • Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
  • Amazon delivery trucks
  • FedEx trucks
  • UPS trucks
  • Numerous commercial trucking companies

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Insurance Defense Advantage

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

  • Evaluate claims
  • Train adjusters
  • Minimize payouts
  • Deny claims

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims in Texas, including:

  • $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
  • $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
  • $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Mount Calm

We know:

  • The local courts serving Mount Calm
  • The trucking corridors through Hill County
  • The local hospitals and medical providers
  • The insurance companies operating in the area
  • The local jury pool

24/7 Availability for Mount Calm Families

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We answer calls 24/7 and can meet you at the hospital or your home in Mount Calm.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many truck drivers in Mount Calm speak Spanish as their primary language.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Mount Calm

Immediately After the Accident

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document the scene – Take photos and video if possible
  4. Get the trucking company information – Name, DOT number, driver info
  5. Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company
  7. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Days Following

  1. Follow all medical advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
  2. Document your injuries – Take photos as they heal
  3. Keep all medical records – Bills, reports, prescriptions
  4. Track missed work – Get documentation from your employer
  5. Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use it against you
  6. Stay in communication with your attorney – Provide updates on your condition

What NOT to Do

❌ Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
❌ Do NOT accept quick settlement offers
❌ Do NOT sign anything without consulting an attorney
❌ Do NOT post about your accident on social media
❌ Do NOT miss medical appointments
❌ Do NOT talk to the trucking company or their lawyers

The Mount Calm 18-Wheeler Accident Case Process

Step 1: Free Consultation

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

Step 2: Case Acceptance

If we take your case, we’ll get to work immediately:

  • Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • Begin investigation
  • Connect you with medical providers if needed

Step 3: Investigation

We’ll gather all evidence to build your case:

  • ECM/Black Box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Cell phone records
  • Witness statements
  • Accident reconstruction

Step 4: Medical Care

We’ll help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with medical providers who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP).

Step 5: Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company calculating all your damages.

Step 6: Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. Our insurance defense background gives us an advantage in these negotiations.

Step 7: Litigation (If Needed)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Step 8: Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations.

Mount Calm Trucking Accident FAQ

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company.

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. Mount Calm hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything:

  • 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

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.

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

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (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.

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

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • 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)

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
  • Negligent training
  • Negligent supervision
  • Negligent maintenance

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 and prove what really happened.

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.

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

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. 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.

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.

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 Mount Calm?

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 Mount Calm?

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.

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

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 Mount Calm?

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.

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.

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.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

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.

Mount Calm Families Deserve Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mount Calm, Texas, you don’t have to face this alone. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve someone fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you understand what your case might be worth. There’s no fee unless we win.

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct Houston: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Available 24/7 – We answer trucking accident calls immediately

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call now for your free consultation.

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