18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Big Spring, Texas

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-20, Highway 87, or any of Big Spring’s busy trucking corridors, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of West Texas trucking cases. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Big Spring Trucking Accidents Are Different

Big Spring sits at a critical juncture of Texas’s trucking network. Our city’s position along I-20 – one of the nation’s busiest east-west freight corridors – means we see more than our share of trucking accidents. The oil and gas industry in Howard County and surrounding areas brings additional heavy truck traffic to our roads, creating unique risks for local drivers.

Big Spring’s Dangerous Trucking Corridors

• I-20 Corridor: High-speed truck traffic traveling between El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth creates constant risk of rear-end collisions, tire blowouts, and fatigue-related accidents
• Highway 87: Heavy oilfield equipment and local delivery trucks share this route, increasing the risk of wide-turn accidents and cargo spills
• Big Spring’s Industrial Areas: Trucks servicing local oil and gas operations often travel through residential areas, creating blind spot hazards
• Local Distribution Centers: Warehouses and distribution facilities generate significant truck traffic in and around Big Spring

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Big Spring

Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers passing through Big Spring often push their limits to meet tight delivery schedules. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are frequently violated on I-20, where drivers may falsify their logs to make up time lost in West Texas’s notorious winds or at the nearby weigh stations.

What the Law Requires:

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

How We Prove Violations:

• Subpoena ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data
• Analyze dispatch records for schedule pressure
• Review driver qualification files for history of violations
• Examine GPS and telematics data

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Big Spring’s extreme temperature swings – from freezing winter mornings to scorching summer afternoons – put tremendous stress on truck braking systems. Many trucking companies defer maintenance to save costs, leading to brake failures on I-20’s long descents or when stopping suddenly in Big Spring’s urban areas.

FMCSA Requirements (49 CFR Part 396):

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

Cargo Securement Failures

Oilfield equipment, pipe loads, and other specialized cargo common in Howard County require proper securement. When loads shift or spill, they can cause rollover accidents, debris hazards for other drivers, or catastrophic cargo spills.

Cargo Securement Standards (49 CFR Part 393):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g in other directions
• Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Truck drivers passing through Big Spring may be distracted by cell phones, in-cab electronics, or dispatch communications. Some drivers use stimulants to combat fatigue, while others may be impaired by prescription medications or illegal substances.

FMCSA Prohibitions (49 CFR Part 392):

• No hand-held mobile phone use while driving
• No texting while driving
• No alcohol use within 4 hours of driving
• No possession of alcohol while on duty
• No use of Schedule I substances

Catastrophic Injuries We See in Big Spring Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents in Big Spring often result in life-altering injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in the accident
• Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
• Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, internal bleeding
• Multiple Fractures: Broken bones requiring extensive surgical repair
• Wrongful Death: Leaving families devastated and financially vulnerable

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Big Spring Trucking Accident Case

Local Knowledge Meets National Experience

While we handle trucking cases across Texas and the nation, we understand Big Spring’s unique trucking landscape. We know the local courts, judges, and the specific challenges of proving negligence in West Texas trucking cases.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He spent years working for the other side, learning their tactics for minimizing claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act fast to preserve critical evidence before it disappears. Within hours of taking your case, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD logs (hours of service records)
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records
• GPS and telematics data

Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims across Texas. We’ve recovered:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for an amputation case
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Federal Court Experience

With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. This is crucial for Big Spring cases involving trucks traveling through multiple states.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Big Spring

Immediate Steps

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
4. Get Driver and Company Information – Including DOT number, license plate, and insurance details
5. Collect Witness Information – Names and contact information for anyone who saw the accident
6. Don’t Give Statements – Avoid talking to insurance adjusters without legal representation
7. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal assistance

Within 24-48 Hours

• We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• We’ll begin gathering accident reports and witness statements
• We’ll connect you with local medical providers for proper documentation of your injuries
• We’ll start building your case against all liable parties

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Big Spring Trucking Accident

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent operation (speeding, fatigue, distraction, etc.)
2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, negligent training, or negligent supervision
3. Cargo Owners/Shippers – For improper loading or failure to disclose hazardous cargo
4. Loading Companies – For improper cargo securement
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers – For defective components or design flaws
6. Parts Manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other components
7. Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
8. Freight Brokers – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
9. Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (rare but possible)

How We Build Your Big Spring Trucking Accident Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters
• Obtain police accident report
• Photograph your injuries and obtain medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data
• Request driver’s paper log books (if applicable)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
• 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 analyzes crash dynamics
• 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 for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
• 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 to create maximum leverage

Big Spring Trucking Accident Statistics

While we don’t have specific statistics for Big Spring alone, Texas-wide data shows the severity of the trucking accident problem:

• Over 5,000 people killed in truck crashes annually in the U.S.
• 76% of those killed are occupants of other vehicles
• Texas consistently has the highest number of large truck crash fatalities
• I-20 is one of the deadliest trucking corridors in Texas
• Hours of service violations are found in 31% of fatal truck crashes

Common Trucking Accident Types in Big Spring

Jackknife Accidents on I-20

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on I-20’s high-speed sections and are often caused by:

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

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. These are almost always fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Types:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during lane changes or turns

Causes:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without warning
• Low visibility conditions
• Truck lane changes into blind spots

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers are common in Big Spring due to our windy conditions and the heavy oilfield equipment transported through the area. These accidents often result in:

• Crushing injuries to occupants of other vehicles
• Cargo spills creating additional hazards
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Fatalities to truck occupants

Causes:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Top-heavy loads (common with oilfield equipment)
• Wind gusts (Big Spring is known for strong winds)
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

Brake Failure Accidents

Big Spring’s terrain – with its long grades and sudden elevation changes – puts tremendous stress on truck braking systems. Brake failures are a significant cause of accidents in our area.

Causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Tire Blowout Accidents

Big Spring’s extreme temperature swings – from freezing mornings to scorching afternoons – contribute to tire failures. Steer tire blowouts are particularly dangerous as they can cause immediate loss of control.

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

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

These accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

Common Locations in Big Spring:

• Highway 87 and FM 700 intersection
• Business 20 and Main Street
• Industrial areas where trucks turn into loading docks
• Downtown Big Spring with its narrow streets

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

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: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – much larger than left side

Common Big Spring Scenarios:

• Trucks changing lanes on I-20 without seeing vehicles in their blind spots
• Right turns at intersections where cars are in the right-side blind spot
• Merging onto highways where smaller vehicles are in the No-Zone

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating hazards for other drivers. In Big Spring, we see:

• Oilfield equipment and pipe loads falling onto roadways
• Debris from construction vehicles causing accidents
• Hazardous material spills from trucks servicing local industries

How Much Is Your Big Spring Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but our experience with Texas trucking cases shows these typical ranges:

Factors That Increase Case Value:

• Clear liability (the trucking company was obviously at fault)
• Severe, permanent injuries
• Significant lost wages and earning capacity
• High medical expenses (past and future)
• Pain and suffering that significantly impacts quality of life
• Gross negligence or reckless conduct by the trucking company
• Multiple liable parties
• High insurance policy limits

Big Spring Trucking Accident FAQ

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Big Spring, 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 at 1-888-ATTY-911

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. Big Spring’s medical facilities, including Scenic Mountain Medical Center, 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 Big Spring?

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 Big Spring?

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 Big Spring?

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 responsible 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 less than 51% responsible. 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 a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box but for trucks. 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.

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. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Big Spring?

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
• Moderate injury cases with extended treatment: 12-24 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 18-36 months
• 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.

Why Big Spring Residents Trust Attorney911

Local Knowledge

We understand Big Spring’s unique trucking landscape:

• Our highways and interstates
• Local trucking companies and distribution centers
• The oil and gas industry’s impact on local truck traffic
• Big Spring’s courts and judges
• Local medical providers and treatment options

Proven Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $50+ million recovered for Texas families
• Multiple multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
• 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
• 4.9-star Google rating with over 250 reviews

Client Testimonials

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

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

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them”
— Chad Harris

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett

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

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We’re available 24/7 to answer your call and begin protecting your rights immediately.

Bilingual Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many of our staff members, including Zulema, are bilingual to better serve Big Spring’s Hispanic community.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Big Spring, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Our Big Spring trucking accident attorneys offer:

• Free consultations
• No fee unless we win your case
• 24/7 availability
• Local knowledge with national experience
• Aggressive evidence preservation
• Proven track record of multi-million dollar results

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers work against you. You need an experienced Big Spring 18-wheeler accident attorney fighting for you. Call Attorney911 today.