18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Buffalo, Texas – Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Every year, hundreds of 18-wheeler accidents occur on the highways and rural roads around Buffalo, Texas. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Leon County, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of Buffalo’s highways.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes right here in East Texas.

Why Buffalo Trucking Accidents Are Different

We know Buffalo’s trucking corridors like the back of our hand. From Highway 79 running through the heart of town to the rural farm-to-market roads where agricultural trucks mix with commercial freight, we understand the unique dangers these roads present. The intersection of Highway 79 and FM 39 is particularly notorious for truck accidents, as is the stretch of Highway 75 that runs through Leon County.

Buffalo sits at a critical juncture between major Texas cities. Just 20 miles north of Huntsville and 90 miles north of Houston, our community sees significant truck traffic from:

Interstate 45 (30 miles to the east)
Highway 79 (running east-west through Buffalo)
Highway 75 (running north-south through the county)
FM 39 (connecting to nearby agricultural areas)

This mix of local, regional, and long-haul trucking creates a dangerous environment for passenger vehicles.

The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Buffalo

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. We’ve seen firsthand how Buffalo families are affected by:

Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces of truck collisions
Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
Amputations when limbs are crushed between vehicles
Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures
Wrongful death when families lose loved ones in preventable crashes

These aren’t just statistics to us. We’ve represented Buffalo residents who’ve suffered life-altering injuries on our local roads, and we’ve seen how these accidents ripple through our community.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Buffalo

Buffalo’s unique location and road conditions contribute to specific types of trucking accidents:

1. Fatigue-Related Crashes on Highway 79

Highway 79 sees heavy truck traffic from long-haul carriers traveling between East Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Drivers pushing their hours-of-service limits to make deliveries often cause fatigue-related accidents, especially in the early morning hours.

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours straight. That’s illegal. And now my husband is paralyzed because of it.” — Buffalo truck accident victim

2. Agricultural Truck Accidents on Rural Roads

Leon County’s agricultural industry means farm equipment and livestock trucks frequently travel our rural roads. These vehicles often:

Have limited visibility
Make wide turns at intersections
Travel at slower speeds that other drivers don’t anticipate
May not have proper lighting or reflectors

3. Underride Collisions at Uncontrolled Intersections

Buffalo has several intersections without traffic signals where underride accidents occur. When a truck stops suddenly or turns without proper signaling, passenger vehicles can slide underneath the trailer, often with fatal consequences.

4. Cargo Spills on Highway 75

Highway 75 sees significant truck traffic carrying everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods. Improperly secured loads can shift or spill, creating hazards for following vehicles.

5. Brake Failures on Long Descents

While Buffalo isn’t in mountainous terrain, the gradual descents on Highway 75 and Highway 79 can still cause brake fade in poorly maintained trucks. This is especially dangerous when trucks are carrying heavy loads.

What Makes Buffalo Trucking Cases Unique

Local Agricultural Industry Creates Specialized Trucking

Leon County is home to numerous farms and ranches, creating unique trucking challenges:

Livestock haulers with special securement requirements
Agricultural equipment that may extend beyond normal vehicle dimensions
Seasonal spikes in truck traffic during harvest times
Farm equipment sharing roads with commercial trucks

Rural Road Challenges

Buffalo’s rural location means:

Limited cell service in many areas, making it harder to call for help
Longer emergency response times
Fewer witnesses to accidents
Limited roadside assistance for stranded vehicles

Mix of Local and Long-Haul Trucking

Buffalo sees a unique combination of:

Local delivery trucks serving businesses
Agricultural trucks moving farm products
Long-haul trucks passing through on Highway 79
Oil field trucks serving the energy industry

This mix creates complex liability scenarios when accidents occur.

The Buffalo Trucking Companies You Might Encounter

While we can’t name specific companies (to avoid any appearance of targeting), Buffalo sees regular traffic from:

National long-haul carriers traveling Highway 79
Regional carriers serving East Texas
Agricultural haulers moving crops and livestock
Oil field service companies
Local delivery trucks serving Buffalo businesses

Many of these companies have safety records that may surprise you. We’ve seen carriers with:

Repeated hours-of-service violations
Poor maintenance records
Multiple out-of-service orders
High crash rates

Why You Need a Buffalo Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast

In 18-wheeler accident cases, critical evidence can disappear within days:

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
Witness memories fade quickly
Physical evidence may be repaired or scrapped

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Trucking Companies Act Fast

Before the ambulance even arrives at the scene, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. They’ll:

Send investigators to the scene
Interview witnesses
Take photographs
Preserve their own evidence
Begin building their defense

You need someone fighting for you just as aggressively.

Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friend

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will contact you quickly, often with a lowball settlement offer. They’re trained to:

Get you to admit partial fault
Downplay your injuries
Offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your damages
Use your words against you

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters operate. We know their tactics because we used to work with them.

What We Do for Buffalo Trucking Accident Victims

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

Send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
Subpoena ELD records
Secure dashcam and surveillance footage
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles
Interview witnesses before memories fade

2. Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your Buffalo trucking accident:

Obtain the trucking company’s complete safety record
Review the driver’s qualification file for hiring negligence
Analyze hours-of-service records for fatigue violations
Examine maintenance records for deferred repairs
Investigate cargo loading procedures
Research the truck and trailer manufacturers for defects

3. Expert Analysis

We work with top experts to build your case:

Accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly what happened
Medical experts to document your injuries and future care needs
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts to determine the present value of your damages
Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases
FMCSA regulation experts to identify all violations

4. Aggressive Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

Creates strong leverage in settlement negotiations
Forces insurance companies to take your case seriously
Positions us to win at trial if necessary

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas, which is crucial for interstate trucking cases.

The Buffalo-Specific Challenges We Overcome

Limited Local Medical Resources

Buffalo has excellent medical professionals, but severe trucking accident injuries often require specialized care. We help our clients access:

Trauma centers in Houston and Dallas
Specialized rehabilitation facilities
Neurological specialists for brain injuries
Pain management experts
Psychological counseling for PTSD

We work with medical providers who understand personal injury cases and will treat you under a Letter of Protection, meaning you don’t pay upfront.

Rural Law Enforcement Challenges

Buffalo’s location means:

Accident reports may be less detailed than in urban areas
Fewer traffic cameras and surveillance systems
Limited accident reconstruction resources

We know how to work with local law enforcement to obtain all available evidence and supplement it with our own investigation.

Agricultural Industry Relationships

Many Buffalo residents work in agriculture or have family in the industry. We understand the delicate balance between:

Holding trucking companies accountable
Recognizing the importance of agriculture to our community
Protecting our clients’ rights without harming local businesses unnecessarily

Common Injuries in Buffalo Trucking Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The extreme forces in a trucking accident often cause TBIs, even without direct head impact. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory problems and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and depression
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)

Buffalo residents with TBIs often need specialized care not available locally. We help arrange transportation to Houston or Dallas for treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When the spinal cord is damaged, the results can be life-changing:

Paraplegia – loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia – loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries – some nerve function remains
Complete injuries – total loss of sensation and movement

We work with life care planners to ensure our clients receive the ongoing care they need, whether that means modifying their Buffalo home or arranging for in-home care.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in amputations:

Traumatic amputations at the scene
Surgical amputations when limbs can’t be saved
Multiple amputations in severe cases

Buffalo residents facing amputation need specialized prosthetics and rehabilitation. We ensure these costs are included in your claim.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo spills can cause devastating burns:

First-degree (superficial)
Second-degree (partial thickness)
Third-degree (full thickness)
Fourth-degree (extending to muscle and bone)

Burn treatment often requires specialized burn centers in Houston or Dallas. We work with these facilities to arrange treatment and include all costs in your claim.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in trucking accidents can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding

These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening. We ensure all medical evaluations are thorough.

Wrongful Death

When a Buffalo family loses a loved one in a trucking accident, we help them pursue:

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

How Much Is Your Buffalo Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values in Buffalo trucking accidents depend on many factors:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical expenses – past, present, and future
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
Loss of enjoyment – inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement – scarring, visible injuries
Loss of consortium – impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical impairment – reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

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

Texas law caps punitive damages at the greater of:

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

However, there is no cap on economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases.

Recent Buffalo Trucking Accident Cases We’ve Handled

While we can’t discuss specific cases due to confidentiality, we’ve represented Buffalo residents in cases involving:

A jackknife accident on Highway 79 that left a local family with catastrophic injuries
An underride collision at the intersection of Highway 79 and FM 39 that resulted in wrongful death
A cargo spill on Highway 75 that caused a multi-vehicle pileup
A brake failure on a long-haul truck traveling through Buffalo that caused a rear-end collision
A fatigue-related crash on Highway 79 where the driver had violated hours-of-service regulations

In each case, we’ve fought aggressively to hold the trucking companies accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

What to Do After a Buffalo Trucking Accident

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in or around Buffalo, take these steps:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Your injuries
- Skid marks and debris
Get information – Collect:
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Witness names and phone numbers
Don’t give statements – Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Buffalo Trucking Accident Case?

1. We’re Buffalo Trucking Accident Specialists

We don’t just handle trucking cases – we specialize in them. Our team includes:

Ralph Manginello – 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
Lupe Peña – Former insurance defense attorney with insider knowledge
Experienced paralegals and case managers who understand trucking cases

2. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal cases.

3. We Know How Insurance Companies Think

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, so he knows:

How they evaluate claims
What makes them settle
How they try to minimize payouts
How to counter their tactics

4. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims

Our track record includes:

$5+ million settlement for a logging accident brain injury case
$3.8+ million settlement for a car accident amputation case
$2.5+ million recovery in a truck crash case
Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

6. We’re Available 24/7

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We’re available nights, weekends, and holidays to start protecting your rights immediately.

7. We Speak Spanish

Many Buffalo residents speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Cuando un accidente de camión cambia la vida de su familia, usted necesita un abogado que lo trate como familia. Llame a Attorney911 al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

Buffalo Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Buffalo?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company and driver information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Should I go to the hospital 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. Buffalo Medical Center can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

What information should I collect at the 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

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 a Buffalo trucking accident attorney?

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.

Who can I sue after a Buffalo trucking accident?

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, training, supervision, and 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, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Engine RPM and throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
Impose monetary sanctions
Enter default judgment in extreme cases
Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

Hours of service violations (driving too long)
False log entries (lying about driving time)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

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

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

How much are Buffalo trucking accident cases worth?

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.

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

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. You never receive a bill from us.

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.

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. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

The Buffalo Trucking Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Leon County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Buffalo trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

We know Buffalo’s roads, we know Texas trucking laws, and we know how to fight for maximum compensation. Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster take advantage of you. Call us today and let us fight for what you deserve.

“You’re not just another case number – you’re family. We’ll treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve while fighting aggressively for maximum compensation.” – Ralph Manginello

Contact Attorney911 Today

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

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Don’t wait – evidence disappears fast. Call us now for your free consultation.