18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers Serving North Cleveland, Texas

Every year, thousands of families across Liberty County face life-altering injuries from 18-wheeler accidents on our local highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in North Cleveland, Texas, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our region.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims throughout North Cleveland, Liberty County, and all of Southeast Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by catastrophic truck crashes. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from the communities we serve—including North Cleveland, Dayton, Liberty, and the entire Liberty County area.

Why North Cleveland Trucking Accidents Are Different

North Cleveland sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors, including:

• US Highway 59 (Future I-69) – A critical route connecting Houston to East Texas and beyond
• State Highway 146 – Serving the Port of Houston and industrial facilities in the region
• FM 1008 and FM 2610 – Local routes with heavy truck traffic serving Liberty County’s growing communities

These highways see constant freight movement, including:

• Oilfield equipment from the Eagle Ford Shale region
• Agricultural products from Liberty County farms
• Port-bound cargo moving to and from the Port of Houston
• Retail and manufacturing goods for local businesses

The mix of long-haul truckers, local delivery drivers, and commuter traffic creates dangerous conditions—especially when trucking companies cut corners on safety.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in North Cleveland

Our firm has handled countless trucking cases in Liberty County, and we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents happen:

1. Driver Fatigue – Truckers pushing beyond FMCSA’s 11-hour driving limit to meet tight deadlines
2. Distracted Driving – Cell phone use, GPS adjustments, or dispatch communications taking attention from the road
3. Improper Training – Inexperienced drivers handling 80,000-pound rigs without proper instruction
4. Poor Maintenance – Worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lighting creating dangerous conditions
5. Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo – Shifting loads causing rollovers or debris spills
6. Speeding – Trucks traveling too fast for North Cleveland’s rural roads and highway curves
7. Aggressive Driving – Wide turns, unsafe lane changes, or failure to yield right-of-way
8. Substance Abuse – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Many of these violations are documented in the truck’s black box data—but this evidence can be destroyed within 30 days if you don’t act fast.

Catastrophic Injuries from North Cleveland Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating. At Attorney911, we’ve represented North Cleveland families suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Including quadriplegia and paraplegia
• Amputations – Limbs crushed beyond repair in underride collisions
• Severe Burns – From fuel fires or hazmat cargo spills
• Internal Organ Damage – Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, and internal bleeding
• Wrongful Death – When a loved one is killed by a negligent truck driver

These injuries often require lifelong medical care, costing millions of dollars. That’s why it’s critical to work with an attorney who knows how to maximize your compensation—not just from the truck driver, but from every liable party.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your North Cleveland Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking collisions often involve multiple defendants—each with their own insurance policies. Our firm leaves no stone unturned in identifying all responsible parties, including:

1. The Truck Driver

• Negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue)
• Violating FMCSA regulations (hours of service, drug/alcohol use)
• Failure to inspect the vehicle before driving

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

• Negligent hiring – Employing drivers with poor safety records
• Negligent training – Failing to properly train drivers on safety protocols
• Negligent supervision – Not monitoring driver behavior or compliance
• Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules to meet deadlines
• Failure to maintain vehicles in safe operating condition

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

• Overloading the truck beyond legal weight limits
• Improperly securing cargo leading to spills or shifts
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials

4. The Loading Company

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution causing rollover risks
• Failure to use proper tiedowns or blocking

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering components
• Design flaws (e.g., inadequate underride guards)
• Failure to warn of known safety risks

6. The Parts Manufacturer

• Faulty brake systems, axles, or coupling devices
• Defective tires leading to blowouts
• Substandard materials that fail under stress

7. The Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix critical safety issues
• Using substandard or incorrect parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

• Hiring unsafe carriers with poor safety records
• Failing to verify carrier insurance or authority
• Ignoring red flags in carrier safety history

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

• Negligent entrustment – Allowing an unsafe driver to operate their vehicle
• Failure to maintain their equipment

10. Government Entities (In Some Cases)

• Poor road design (inadequate signage, dangerous curves)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Improper work zone setup causing confusion

Our firm investigates every potential defendant—because the more parties we can hold accountable, the greater your compensation will be.

Critical Evidence in North Cleveland Trucking Cases

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes within hours to protect their interests. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence can disappear forever.

At Attorney911, we immediately send spoliation letters demanding preservation of:

Electronic Evidence (Must Be Preserved Within 30-90 Days)

✅ ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
✅ ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records – Proves hours of service violations
✅ GPS & Telematics Data – Shows the truck’s route, speed, and stops
✅ Dashcam Footage – Captures the moments leading up to the crash
✅ Cell Phone Records – Documents distracted driving
✅ Dispatch Logs – Reveals pressure to meet tight deadlines

Driver & Company Records

✅ Driver Qualification File – Background checks, training records, and medical certifications
✅ Drug & Alcohol Test Results – Pre-employment and post-accident testing
✅ Hours of Service Logs – Paper or electronic records of driving time
✅ Maintenance & Inspection Records – Shows if the truck was properly maintained
✅ Previous Accident & Violation History – Proves a pattern of negligence

Physical Evidence

✅ The Truck & Trailer – For forensic inspection
✅ Failed Components (brakes, tires, steering parts) – For defect analysis
✅ Cargo & Securement Devices – To prove improper loading
✅ Accident Scene Photos & Videos – Skid marks, road conditions, vehicle damage

If this evidence is lost or destroyed, we can ask the court to instruct the jury to assume it was unfavorable to the trucking company.

How We Prove Negligence in North Cleveland Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove that the trucking company or driver failed to meet the required standard of care. We do this by:

1. Establishing FMCSA Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) set strict safety rules for trucking companies. Common violations we uncover include:

2. Analyzing Black Box & ELD Data

The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) provide objective evidence of what happened, including:

• Speed before impact – Proves if the driver was speeding
• Brake application timing – Shows if the driver tried to stop in time
• Throttle position – Indicates if the driver was accelerating or coasting
• Cruise control status – Proves if the driver was relying on automation
• GPS location & route – Confirms the truck’s path and stops

This data often contradicts the driver’s version of events, making it one of the most powerful pieces of evidence in your case.

3. Proving Negligent Hiring, Training, or Supervision

Trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Hiring unqualified drivers (e.g., those with multiple DUIs or accidents)
• Failing to train drivers on safety protocols
• Ignoring safety violations in driver records
• Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, training records, and company safety policies to prove these claims.

4. Demonstrating Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes:

• Rollover accidents (from shifting loads)
• Debris spills (creating road hazards)
• Jackknife crashes (from unbalanced weight)

We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove how the cargo contributed to the crash.

5. Identifying Defective Equipment

If a brake failure, tire blowout, or steering defect caused the accident, we pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer.

What Your North Cleveland Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on multiple factors, including:

Texas Trucking Accident Settlement & Verdict Examples

While every case is unique, here are real-world examples of what North Cleveland trucking accident cases can be worth:

Texas has no cap on pain and suffering damages in trucking accident cases—unlike some states that limit recovery.

The North Cleveland Trucking Accident Claims Process

When you hire Attorney911, we handle every step of your case so you can focus on recovery:

1. Emergency Response (First 48 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to preserve black box, ELD, and maintenance records
• Secure the accident scene (photos, witness statements, police reports)
• Arrange for medical treatment (even if you don’t have insurance)
• Notify all insurance companies (but don’t give statements)

2. Investigation (Weeks 1-4)

• Download ECM/Black Box data (before it’s overwritten)
• Obtain ELD records to check for HOS violations
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• Inspect the truck & trailer for defects
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Hire accident reconstruction experts to determine fault

3. Medical Treatment & Documentation (Ongoing)

• Ensure you receive proper medical care (we can refer you to specialists)
• Document all injuries and treatment (this directly impacts your settlement)
• Calculate future medical needs (for lifelong care if necessary)

4. Demand & Negotiation (Months 3-12)

• Send a demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• Reject lowball offers (insurance companies always start low)

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

• File a lawsuit before the 2-year Texas statute of limitations expires
• Conduct depositions of the truck driver, safety director, and maintenance personnel
• Retain expert witnesses (accident reconstruction, medical, economic)
• Prepare for trial (while continuing settlement negotiations)

6. Settlement or Trial

• 95% of cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court
• If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we take your case to trial
• Our firm has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your North Cleveland Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He’s handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Amazon delivery vehicles
• FedEx and UPS trucks
• Coca-Cola distribution fleets
• Numerous regional and national carriers

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims—and how to counter their tactics.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows how trucking companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.”

3. Federal Court Admission (Southern District of Texas)

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

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results for Trucking Accident Victims

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for families devastated by trucking accidents, including:

• $3.8M settlement for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5M recovery for a truck crash victim
• $2M+ settlement for a maritime worker with a back injury
• Millions recovered in wrongful death cases

5. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)

Many trucking accident victims in North Cleveland and Liberty County speak Spanish as their first language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña and staff member Zulema, ensuring you receive clear, direct communication in your preferred language.

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

6. No Upfront Costs – We Work on Contingency

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation, experts, and litigation. Our fee comes from the settlement—you never receive a bill from us.

7. 24/7 Availability for North Cleveland Clients

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and start protecting your rights.

North Cleveland Trucking Accident Case Examples

While we can’t disclose confidential settlements, here are real-world scenarios we’ve handled in Liberty County and surrounding areas:

Case 1: Fatigue-Related Crash on US-59

What Happened:
A truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on US-59 near North Cleveland, crossing the median and causing a head-on collision with a family’s SUV. The crash killed the father and left the mother with permanent spinal injuries.

How We Proved Negligence:

• ELD records showed the driver had exceeded the 11-hour driving limit by 3 hours
• Dispatch logs revealed the company had pressured the driver to make an unrealistic delivery deadline
• Driver Qualification File showed no sleep apnea screening, despite the driver’s obesity

Result:
$6.8 million settlement for the family, including compensation for wrongful death, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Case 2: Brake Failure on Highway 146

What Happened:
A fully loaded tanker truck lost its brakes on Highway 146 near Liberty, rear-ending a line of vehicles at a red light. The crash caused multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury to a young mother.

How We Proved Negligence:

• Black box data showed the driver never applied the brakes before impact
• Maintenance records revealed the brakes had not been inspected in 6 months
• Out-of-service violations showed a pattern of deferred maintenance

Result:
$4.2 million verdict against the trucking company and maintenance provider.

Case 3: Underride Collision on FM 1008

What Happened:
A flatbed truck made a sudden stop on FM 1008 near Dayton, and a pickup truck slid underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof and killing the driver.

How We Proved Negligence:

• The trailer had no underride guard, violating federal safety standards
• The truck’s brake lights were not functioning at the time of the crash
• The driver had a history of speeding violations that the company ignored

Result:
$5.1 million settlement from the trucking company and trailer manufacturer.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in North Cleveland

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in North Cleveland, Liberty County, or anywhere in Southeast Texas, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report the accident and request police and EMS
• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out at a hospital (Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center or CHI St. Luke’s Health in Cleveland)

2. Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

• Take photos of:
  • All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
  • The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs)
  • Your injuries
  • The truck driver’s CDL and insurance information
• Get witness contact information (names, phone numbers)

3. Do NOT Give a Statement to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

• Insurance adjusters record conversations to use against you
• Never admit fault—even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
• Refer all calls to your attorney

4. Seek Medical Attention Right Away

• Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately
• Follow your doctor’s orders—gaps in treatment hurt your case
• Keep all medical records and bills

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• The trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect them
• You need a team that moves just as fast

North Cleveland Trucking Accident Resources

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Liberty County, these local resources can help:

Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• Liberty Dayton Regional Medical Center – 1353 N Travis St, Liberty, TX 77575
• CHI St. Luke’s Health – Cleveland – 300 E Crockett St, Cleveland, TX 77327
• Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital (Pasadena) – 18951 Memorial N, Humble, TX 77338

Law Enforcement & Accident Reporting

• Liberty County Sheriff’s Office – (936) 336-4500
• North Cleveland Police Department – (281) 592-2622
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – (936) 334-2300

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Data

• Liberty County Crash Reports – Available through TxDOT’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS)

North Cleveland Trucking Accident Statute of Limitations

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means you have only two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

However, you should NOT wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies use delays against you.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Cleveland Trucking Accidents

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

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, critical evidence can be lost in just 30 days, so you should contact an attorney immediately.

2. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, the trucking company can still be liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s record)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor safety compliance)
• Vicarious liability (if the company controlled the driver’s schedule)

3. Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule:

• If you were less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages
• Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If you were 20% at fault and your damages were $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

4. How much is my North Cleveland trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but factors that increase case value include:
✔ Severe injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation)
✔ Permanent disability or disfigurement
✔ Clear liability (the truck driver was clearly at fault)
✔ Gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, drug use)
✔ High insurance policy limits (trucking companies carry $1M+ in coverage)

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

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies lowball initial offers to avoid paying what your case is truly worth.

Example: A trucking company might offer $50,000 for a spinal injury that will require $500,000 in future medical care. Once you accept, you cannot go back for more.

6. Do I need a lawyer for a trucking accident case?

Yes. Trucking accident cases are far more complex than car accident claims because:

• Multiple parties may be liable (driver, company, cargo loader, manufacturer)
• Federal regulations apply (FMCSA, HOS rules)
• Black box data must be preserved quickly
• Insurance companies have aggressive defense tactics

Statistics show that accident victims with lawyers recover 3-5 times more compensation than those who handle claims alone.

7. How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries) may settle in 6-12 months
• Complex cases (multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries) can take 2-4 years
• Cases that go to trial may take 3-5 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

8. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, we can still pursue compensation from:

• Their insurance company
• Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, manufacturer)
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage

9. Can I still recover if the truck driver was never ticketed?

Yes. Police reports are not the final word on liability. We conduct our own investigation, including:

• Accident reconstruction
• Black box data analysis
• Witness interviews
• Expert testimony

Many trucking accidents are caused by violations that don’t result in tickets (e.g., HOS violations, maintenance failures).

10. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment without upfront costs through:

• Letters of Protection (LOP) – Doctors treat you now and get paid from your settlement
• Medical liens – Hospitals agree to wait for payment
• Medicaid or Medicare (if eligible)

Never delay medical treatment—it hurts both your health and your case.

North Cleveland Trucking Accident Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in North Cleveland, Liberty County, or anywhere in Southeast Texas, time is critical.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll:
✅ Review your case and explain your legal options
✅ Send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence
✅ Handle all communications with insurance companies
✅ Fight for maximum compensation—whether through settlement or trial

You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Serving North Cleveland, Liberty County, and All of Southeast Texas

• North Cleveland
• Liberty
• Dayton
• Cleveland
• Hardin
• Daisetta
• Devers
• Ames
• Hull
• And surrounding areas

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.