18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Marquez, Texas

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Marquez and East 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.

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

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Marquez, Texas

Marquez sits at the intersection of US-79 and SH-7, a critical route for commercial trucking in Leon County. Trucks traveling from Houston, Dallas, and Lufkin pass through Marquez daily, transporting goods to and from distribution centers, oilfields, and agricultural hubs. With this heavy truck traffic comes an increased risk of catastrophic accidents.

Unlike car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve complex liability issues, including:

✅ Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA rules)
✅ Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, etc.)
✅ Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million+)
✅ Critical evidence that disappears quickly (black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage)

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas, you need a legal team that knows how to preserve evidence, prove negligence, and fight for maximum compensation.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Marquez, Texas

Trucking accidents in Marquez and Leon County often occur due to:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. However, many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from trucking companies to meet tight deadlines.

How we prove fatigue:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows exact driving hours
• Dispatch records – Reveals unrealistic delivery schedules
• Driver Qualification File – May show a history of violations

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours. That’s illegal. And now you’re paying the price.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phone Use, Dispatch Communications)

Truck drivers are prohibited from using hand-held phones while driving. Yet, many still text, use GPS, or communicate with dispatch while behind the wheel.

How we prove distraction:

• Cell phone records – Show calls/texts at the time of the crash
• ECM (black box) data – Reveals sudden braking or lane departures
• Witness statements – Document driver behavior before the crash

3. Improper Cargo Loading & Securement

When cargo is overloaded, unbalanced, or improperly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to roll over, jackknife, or lose control.

FMCSA violations we look for:

• Insufficient tiedowns (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Overweight loads (exceeding 80,000 lbs)
• Poor load distribution (causing instability)

4. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Trucking companies must inspect and maintain brakes regularly, but many cut corners to save money.

How we prove negligent maintenance:

• Maintenance records – Show deferred repairs
• Inspection reports – Reveal out-of-service violations
• Post-crash brake analysis – Confirms mechanical failure

5. Tire Blowouts & Defective Tires

A blown tire can cause a truck to lose control, jackknife, or roll over. Many blowouts occur due to underinflation, overloading, or old/worn tires.

How we prove tire negligence:

• Tire maintenance records – Show last inspection/replacement
• Tire age & tread depth – Must meet FMCSA standards (4/32″ on steer tires)
• Manufacturer defects – Some tires have design flaws

6. Wide Turns (“Squeeze Play” Accidents)

Trucks need extra space to make right turns, often swinging wide into the left lane. Smaller vehicles in the truck’s blind spot can get crushed or sideswiped.

How we prove improper turning:

• ECM data – Shows turn signal activation
• Dashcam footage – Captures the truck’s path
• Witness statements – Confirm the truck cut off traffic

7. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)

When a car slides under a truck’s trailer, the top of the vehicle can be sheared off, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head/neck injuries.

Why underride accidents happen:

• Missing or damaged underride guards (required by 49 CFR § 393.86)
• Poor visibility at night (lack of reflective tape)
• Sudden stops by trucks (without warning)

Marquez, Texas, has seen multiple underride accidents on US-79 and SH-7, where high-speed collisions with trucks have led to devastating injuries.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Marquez, Texas

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident?

In 18-wheeler accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

• Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment
• Failure to inspect the truck before driving
• Violating traffic laws (running red lights, improper lane changes)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driver’s background)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules
• Failing to maintain trucks in safe condition

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

• Overloading the truck beyond legal limits
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Pressuring the trucking company to expedite delivery

4. The Cargo Loading Company

• Improperly securing cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution (causing instability)
• Failing to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering components
• Faulty underride guards
• Design flaws that make the truck unsafe

6. The Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brake pads, tires, or coupling devices
• Failure to warn of known dangers

7. The Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Using substandard or incorrect parts
• Returning trucks to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

• Hiring an unsafe carrier with a poor safety record
• Failing to verify the carrier’s insurance and authority

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

• Negligent entrustment (allowing an unsafe driver to operate the truck)
• Failing to maintain the truck in safe condition

10. Government Entities (Rare, but Possible)

• Dangerous road design (sharp curves, poor signage)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate truck parking or rest areas

Why You Need a Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• ECM/Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD Logs – May be deleted after 6 months
• Dashcam Footage – Often overwritten within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

2. Trucking Companies Have Rapid-Response Teams

Before the ambulance even arrives, trucking companies dispatch investigators to:

• Protect their interests (not yours)
• Minimize their liability
• Destroy or hide unfavorable evidence

3. Insurance Companies Will Lowball You

The first settlement offer is almost always a lowball offer designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to:

• Downplay your injuries
• Blame you for the accident
• Delay your claim until you’re desperate

“Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Our job is to maximize it.”
— Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney, Former Insurance Defense Attorney

4. Texas Has a 2-Year Statute of Limitations

You have only 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Marquez, Texas. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Marquez, Texas

✅ Step 1: Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, get checked by EMS or go to the hospital. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.
• Marquez-area hospitals include:
  • CHI St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital (Navasota)
  • Madison St. Joseph Health (Madisonville)
  • Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station

✅ Step 2: Document the Scene (If Possible)

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • Skid marks, debris, road conditions
  • The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
  • Your injuries
  • Witnesses (get names and phone numbers)

✅ Step 3: Get the Truck Driver’s & Trucking Company’s Information

• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Trucking company name and DOT number
• Insurance information

✅ Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you.
• Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim.

✅ Step 5: Call a Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

• We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence.
• We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies.
• We’ll investigate the accident and build your case.

How Attorney911 Investigates Your Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-72 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties
• Demand preservation of:
  • ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle position)
  • ELD Logs (hours of service, GPS location)
  • Dashcam Footage (if available)
  • Driver Qualification File (hiring, training, medical records)
  • Maintenance Records (inspections, repairs)
  • Cell Phone Records (distraction evidence)
  • The Physical Truck & Trailer (for inspection)

Phase 2: Accident Reconstruction & Expert Analysis

• Hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze:
  • Skid marks and vehicle dynamics
  • ECM/ELD data
  • Weather and road conditions
• Medical experts document your injuries and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine the present value of all damages

Phase 3: Identifying All Liable Parties

• Subpoena records from the trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, and others
• Review FMCSA safety records (CSA scores, inspection history)
• Investigate the driver’s background (previous accidents, violations)

Phase 4: Negotiation & Litigation

• File a lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
• Conduct aggressive discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Negotiate from a position of strength (we prepare every case as if going to trial)
• Take your case to trial if necessary (we have federal court experience)

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident?

Recent Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements in Texas

“We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims in Texas. Let us fight for you.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident Case?

✅ 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He has:

• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
• Experience litigating against Fortune 500 trucking companies (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola)
• Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims

✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• How to counter their tactics to maximize your settlement

“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.”
— Ralph Manginello

✅ Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to prevent the trucking company from destroying critical evidence.

✅ Aggressive Litigation & Trial Experience

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to fight—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

✅ Contingency Fee – No Upfront Costs

• You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• We advance all investigation and litigation costs.
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

✅ Local Knowledge of Marquez, Texas Trucking Corridors

We know the dangerous stretches of US-79 and SH-7, where trucking accidents frequently occur. Our familiarity with Leon County courts, judges, and local trucking patterns gives us an advantage in building your case.

✅ Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)

Many truck drivers in Marquez and East Texas are Spanish-speaking. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña, so you can communicate directly without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Marquez, Texas Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Marquez, Texas?

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay.
• Document the scene with photos and videos.
• Get the truck driver’s and trucking company’s information.
• Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company.
• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal help.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you don’t file a lawsuit within this time, you lose your right to compensation forever.

3. Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner/loader
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker

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

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to prove the truck driver’s negligence and minimize your fault percentage.

5. How much is my trucking accident case worth in Marquez, Texas?

Case value depends on:

• Severity of injuries (TBI, spinal cord injury, amputation, etc.)
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million+), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

6. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims to pay as little as possible. We’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

7. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows exact driving hours
• Dispatch records – Reveals unrealistic delivery schedules
• Driver Qualification File – May show a history of violations
• Witness statements – Confirm driver behavior before the crash

8. What if the trucking company destroys evidence?

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, the court can:

• Instruct the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases

9. Can I sue if I was a passenger in a trucking accident?

Yes! If you were injured as a passenger, you can sue:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The other driver (if they were at fault)
• Any other liable parties

10. What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas?

You may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover:

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

Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• CHI St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital (Navasota) – (936) 825-6585
• Madison St. Joseph Health (Madisonville) – (936) 348-3721
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station – (979) 207-0100

Leon County Courts

• Leon County Courthouse – 155 N Main St, Centerville, TX 75833 – (903) 536-2352
• Leon County Justice of the Peace – (903) 536-2441

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

• TxDOT Bryan District – (979) 778-9711
• Crash Reports – TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

• Carrier Safety Records – FMCSA SaferWeb
• ELD & Hours of Service Regulations – FMCSA ELD Rule

Contact Attorney911 – Your Marquez, Texas Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Marquez, Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already working to protect their interests—not yours.

Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com

We answer calls 24/7. Don’t wait—protect your rights today.

“You’re not just another case number—you’re family.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Serving Marquez, Leon County, and All of East Texas

• Marquez, TX
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• Huntsville, TX
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