18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Caddo Mills, Texas

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Caddo Mills, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and life-altering consequences. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help you fight back against the trucking companies and their insurance teams.

Why Caddo Mills Trucking Accidents Are Different

Caddo Mills sits at the crossroads of several critical trucking corridors in Hunt County, Texas. The area’s mix of rural highways, agricultural routes, and proximity to major distribution centers creates unique risks for drivers:

• Highway 69 connects Caddo Mills to Greenville and beyond, carrying heavy truck traffic
• FM 36 and FM 64 serve as key routes for agricultural and oilfield trucking
• Proximity to I-30 means Caddo Mills sees significant through-traffic from long-haul truckers
• Local distribution centers generate daily truck movements in and out of the area
• Rural road conditions can be challenging, with limited lighting and maintenance

These factors combine to make Caddo Mills a high-risk area for trucking accidents. When crashes happen here, they often involve:

• Fatigued drivers pushing beyond federal hours-of-service limits
• Overloaded or improperly secured agricultural and industrial cargo
• Trucks traveling at excessive speeds on rural roads
• Drivers unfamiliar with local road conditions
• Poorly maintained vehicles traveling through our area

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. Unlike car accidents, truck crashes frequently cause:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The force of a truck collision can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull, resulting in:

• Concussions and mild TBI
• Moderate to severe brain damage
• Cognitive impairment and memory loss
• Personality changes and emotional disorders
• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Truck accidents often cause spinal cord damage that can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Partial paralysis with limited mobility
• Chronic pain and nerve damage
• Permanent disability requiring assistive devices

Amputations and Crush Injuries

The sheer force of a truck impact can:

• Sever limbs at the scene
• Require surgical amputation due to severe damage
• Crush bones and internal organs
• Cause permanent disability and disfigurement

Severe Burns and Disfigurement

Truck accidents frequently involve:

• Fuel fires from ruptured tanks
• Chemical burns from hazardous cargo spills
• Electrical fires from damaged wiring
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many Caddo Mills trucking accidents result in fatalities. When a loved one is killed by a negligent truck driver or trucking company, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Caddo Mills

Our experience handling Caddo Mills trucking cases has shown us that certain types of accidents occur with alarming frequency in our area:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often caused by:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding around curves on rural highways
• Improperly loaded or empty trailers
• Brake system failures or improper adjustment

Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous in Caddo Mills because they often block multiple lanes of traffic, leading to secondary collisions.

Underride Collisions

When a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in:

• Decapitation and catastrophic head injuries
• Crushing of the passenger compartment
• Fatalities for all vehicle occupants

Caddo Mills has seen tragic underride accidents on Highway 69 and FM 36, where high-speed collisions with trucks have had devastating consequences.

Rollover Accidents

When trucks tip onto their sides or roofs, frequently caused by:

• Taking curves too fast on rural roads
• Improperly secured or top-heavy loads
• Sudden maneuvers to avoid obstacles
• Driver fatigue or distraction

Rollover accidents are especially dangerous because they often result in cargo spills that can affect multiple vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

When trucks fail to stop in time and collide with vehicles in front, often due to:

• Following too closely on rural highways
• Driver distraction or fatigue
• Brake system failures
• Speeding for conditions

The stopping distance for a fully loaded truck is significantly longer than for passenger vehicles – up to 525 feet at highway speeds.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating a gap that other vehicles enter, resulting in:

• Crushing injuries as the truck completes its turn
• Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities
• Multi-vehicle collisions

These accidents are common at intersections in Caddo Mills where trucks need to make wide turns.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

When trucks change lanes or maneuver without seeing vehicles in their blind spots, particularly:

• The large right-side blind spot (most dangerous)
• The rear blind spot (30+ feet)
• The front blind spot (20+ feet)

Tire Blowout Accidents

When truck tires fail suddenly, causing:

• Loss of control and jackknifing
• Debris striking other vehicles (“road gators”)
• Rollover accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups

Caddo Mills’ rural roads with sharp objects and extreme Texas temperatures create ideal conditions for tire blowouts.

Brake Failure Accidents

When truck braking systems fail, often due to:

• Poor maintenance and deferred repairs
• Improper brake adjustment
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Air brake system leaks or failures

Cargo Spill Accidents

When improperly secured cargo falls from trucks, causing:

• Debris striking other vehicles
• Hazardous material spills
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Environmental contamination

Caddo Mills sees cargo spills from agricultural trucks, oilfield equipment, and industrial shipments.

Why Trucking Companies Are So Dangerous

Trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, creating dangerous conditions on Caddo Mills roads:

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with 34-hour restarts

Yet many drivers in Caddo Mills violate these rules, driving while dangerously fatigued.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Trucking companies often hire drivers with:

• Poor driving records
• History of accidents or violations
• Inadequate training or experience
• Medical conditions that impair driving ability

Inadequate Training

Many truck drivers receive minimal training on:

• Proper cargo securement
• Hours of service compliance
• Emergency maneuvers
• Rural road driving techniques

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies frequently defer maintenance to save costs, resulting in:

• Worn brakes that fail
• Bald tires that blow out
• Faulty lighting that reduces visibility
• Defective steering components

Pressure to Violate Safety Rules

Drivers face constant pressure to:

• Drive beyond hours of service limits
• Speed to meet delivery deadlines
• Skip pre-trip inspections
• Drive in unsafe weather conditions

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

In Caddo Mills trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Our team acts immediately to preserve:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data

The truck’s “black box” records critical data including:

• Speed before and during the accident
• Brake application timing and force
• Throttle position and engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• GPS location and route history

This data is often overwritten within 30 days unless preserved.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

ELDs track driver hours of service, revealing:

• Whether the driver violated federal rest requirements
• How long the driver had been on duty
• When and where breaks were taken
• GPS location history

Dashcam Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing and in-cab cameras that record:

• The moments leading up to the accident
• Driver behavior and distraction
• Road conditions and visibility
• The actual collision

This footage is often deleted within days unless preserved.

Driver Qualification Files

Every trucking company must maintain a file for each driver containing:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and drug test history
• Training records and certifications

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must maintain:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Annual inspection records
• Maintenance and repair records
• Parts replacement history

Poor maintenance records prove negligence.

Cell Phone Records

Cell phone records can prove:

• Distracted driving (texting, calls, app usage)
• Dispatch communications that pressured the driver
• Location data corroborating other evidence

Witness Statements

Witnesses can provide critical information about:

• How the accident occurred
• The truck’s speed and behavior
• Whether the driver appeared fatigued or impaired
• Road conditions and visibility

Memories fade quickly – we interview witnesses immediately.

Who Is Liable for Your Caddo Mills Trucking Accident?

In trucking cases, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver

Drivers may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Inadequate driver training
• Failure to supervise drivers
• Pressure to violate hours of service
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Negligent scheduling and dispatch

The Cargo Owner

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for:

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

The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

The Truck Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in braking systems
• Defective steering components
• Faulty safety systems
• Defective tires or wheels
• Failure to warn of known dangers

The Parts Manufacturer

Parts manufacturers may be liable for:

• Defective brake components
• Faulty lighting systems
• Defective coupling devices
• Substandard materials

The Maintenance Company

Maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

The Freight Broker

Freight brokers may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Failure to check carrier safety records
• Selecting carriers based solely on price

The Truck Owner

If different from the carrier, the owner may be liable for:

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

Government Entities

In limited cases, government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Failure to install safety barriers

How We Build Your Caddo Mills Trucking Case

Our approach combines local knowledge with national trucking expertise:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and dashcam data
• Secure the truck and trailer before repairs
• Identify and interview witnesses
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles

Comprehensive Investigation

We thoroughly investigate:

• The driver’s qualifications and history
• The trucking company’s safety record
• Hours of service compliance
• Vehicle maintenance history
• Cargo loading and securement
• Road conditions and design
• Weather and visibility factors

Expert Analysis

We work with top experts including:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Trucking industry consultants
• Medical experts to document injuries
• Vocational experts to assess disability
• Economic experts to calculate damages
• Life care planners for catastrophic injuries

Aggressive Litigation

We prepare every case as if going to trial:

• File lawsuits before statutes of limitations expire
• Conduct aggressive discovery
• Depose drivers, dispatchers, safety managers
• Subpoena all relevant records
• Build compelling case for maximum compensation

What Your Caddo Mills Trucking Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors, but trucking cases typically settle for significantly more than car accidents due to higher insurance limits and more severe injuries.

Economic Damages

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

Non-Economic Damages

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

Punitive Damages

Available in cases of:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud or falsification of records
• Intentional wrongdoing

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While these are not our cases, they demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

• $730 Million – Texas wrongful death case involving oversize load
• $462 Million – Missouri underride accident with decapitations
• $160 Million – Alabama rollover accident causing quadriplegia
• $150 Million – Texas settlement for two children killed on I-30
• $90 Million – Texas burn injury case
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking accident verdict
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injury case

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Caddo Mills Trucking Case

Local Knowledge

We know Caddo Mills’ roads, courts, and trucking corridors. Our team understands:

• The specific risks on Highway 69 and FM 36
• Local distribution patterns and truck traffic
• Hunt County court procedures
• Local judges and insurance adjusters

National Trucking Expertise

Our firm has:

• 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
• Federal court admission (Southern District of Texas)
• Experience against major carriers (Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Insider knowledge from former insurance defense attorneys
• A track record of multi-million dollar results

Insider Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle cases
• How to counter their tactics

Aggressive Representation

We:

• Send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence
• Never accept lowball settlement offers
• Prepare every case as if going to trial
• Have the resources to take on large trucking companies
• Fight for maximum compensation

Compassionate Service

We understand the trauma you’re experiencing. Our team:

• Treats you like family, not a case number
• Provides regular case updates
• Answers your questions promptly
• Helps arrange medical care
• Works on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

What to Do After a Caddo Mills Trucking Accident

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

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
3. Document the scene – Take photos of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Damage to your vehicle
   • The truck and trailer
   • License plates and DOT numbers
   • Road conditions and signage
   • Your injuries
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Truck driver’s name and CDL number
   • Trucking company name and contact information
   • Insurance information
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Do NOT give statements – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without an attorney
6. Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Caddo Mills Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• Hunt Regional Medical Center (Greenville) – Nearest Level III trauma center
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Greenville – Emergency care and specialized treatment
• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall – Additional trauma care options

Local Courts

• Hunt County Justice of the Peace Courts – Handle initial accident reports and citations
• Hunt County District Courts – Where trucking lawsuits are filed
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas – For federal trucking cases

Trucking Corridors in Caddo Mills

• Highway 69 – Major north-south route with heavy truck traffic
• FM 36 – Key agricultural and industrial trucking route
• FM 64 – Connects Caddo Mills to Quinlan and beyond
• I-30 – Major interstate with significant truck traffic just south of Caddo Mills

Local Trucking Companies

While we can’t name specific companies, Caddo Mills sees truck traffic from:

• Agricultural haulers
• Oilfield service companies
• Local distribution centers
• Long-haul carriers passing through
• Construction and heavy equipment transporters

Frequently Asked Questions About Caddo Mills Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Caddo Mills?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect driver and witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Do not speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation.

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

Who can be held liable in a Caddo Mills trucking accident?

Multiple parties may share liability, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• The truck manufacturer
• The parts manufacturer
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• The truck owner
• Government entities (in limited cases)

What is a truck’s “black box” and why is it important?

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records critical data about the truck’s operation, including speed, brake application, throttle position, and GPS location. This data is often overwritten within 30 days unless preserved through legal action.

How much is my Caddo Mills trucking accident case worth?

Case values vary widely depending on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers, often $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more.

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

No. 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.

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 are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

How long will my trucking accident case 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 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. You never receive a bill from us.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Caddo Mills trucking accident cases often involve disputed liability. 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.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a Caddo Mills trucking accident?

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

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

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants (manufacturers, brokers, loading companies) may still be liable.

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We prove fatigue through:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Witness statements about driver behavior
• Driver testimony about pressure to drive beyond limits

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be critical evidence. We demand preservation of all video footage immediately, as it is often deleted within days unless preserved through legal action.

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes. GPS data from the truck’s telematics system can show:

• The truck’s route and speed
• Stops and duration
• Location at time of accident
• Compliance with hours of service

What if there’s not enough insurance?

Trucking companies are required to carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000, often much more. Additionally, you may have underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. We identify all available insurance to maximize your recovery.

How do I prove the trucking company pressured the driver to violate safety rules?

We prove pressure through:

• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• Text messages and emails from dispatchers
• Driver testimony about company policies
• Pattern of hours of service violations
• Incentive programs that reward on-time delivery

What if road conditions contributed to my accident?

Dangerous road conditions can contribute to liability. We investigate:

• Poor road maintenance
• Inadequate signage
• Dangerous road design
• Lack of safety barriers
• Insufficient lighting

In some cases, government entities may share liability.

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compensable injury. Victims may experience:

• Flashbacks and nightmares
• Anxiety and depression
• Avoidance behaviors
• Sleep disturbances
• Emotional distress

Documentation from mental health professionals is essential.

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 are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How do you prove the truck driver was distracted?

We prove distraction through:

• Cell phone records showing calls or texts
• Dispatch communications during driving
• ECM data showing erratic speed or lane changes
• Witness statements about driver behavior
• Dashcam footage showing driver actions

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

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking. FMCSA regulations establish safety standards that trucking companies must follow. Violations of these regulations can prove negligence in your case.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. 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 experts do you use in trucking cases?

We work with top experts including:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Trucking industry consultants
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners
• FMCSA regulation experts
• Human factors experts

How are wrongful death damages calculated?

Wrongful death damages include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Caddo Mills trucking accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need experienced legal representation on your side.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. Our Caddo Mills trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and begin building your case.

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.

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

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

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

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.