18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Follett, Texas | Attorney911
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Follett, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents catastrophic—often resulting in life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and devastating emotional trauma. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help.
Why Follett Trucking Accidents Are Different
Follett sits in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, where major trucking routes intersect. The area’s rural nature and long stretches of highway create unique challenges:
- High-speed truck traffic on US-83 and nearby highways
- Long distances to medical care after accidents
- Limited emergency response in remote areas
- Seasonal agricultural trucking that increases traffic during harvest
- Oil and gas industry traffic moving equipment through the region
These factors make Follett trucking accidents particularly dangerous. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.
Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Follett
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on Follett’s highways during sudden braking or on wet roads.
Rollover Accidents
The area’s rural roads and sudden turns can cause rollovers when trucks take curves too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly. Rollover accidents often spill cargo across the roadway, creating additional hazards.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These are among the most deadly accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks need nearly twice the stopping distance of passenger vehicles. When trucks follow too closely or drivers are fatigued, rear-end collisions are common on Follett’s highways.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks making wide right turns can trap vehicles in their blind spots, leading to crushing injuries. This is especially dangerous at rural intersections.
Why You Need a Follett Trucking Accident Lawyer
After a trucking accident, you’re not just fighting the truck driver—you’re fighting the entire trucking industry. These companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.
At Attorney911, we have over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases in Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims. We know the tactics trucking companies use to avoid responsibility, and we know how to counter them.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Follett
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Follett’s nearest hospitals include:
- Lipscomb County Hospital (Lipscomb)
- Hemphill County Hospital (Canadian)
- Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo)
2. Document Everything
- Take photos of all vehicles involved
- Photograph your injuries
- Get the truck driver’s information and the trucking company’s details
- Collect witness contact information
- Note road and weather conditions
3. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies will try to get you to say things that hurt your case. Don’t give any statements without talking to an attorney first.
4. Call Attorney911 Immediately
Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We’ll send preservation letters to protect:
- Black box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
- Electronic logging device (ELD) records
- Dashcam footage
- Maintenance records
- Driver qualification files
How We Prove Negligence in Follett Trucking Cases
To win your case, we must prove the trucking company or driver was negligent. We investigate:
Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 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. We obtain ELD records to prove violations.
Negligent Hiring and Training
Trucking companies must:
- Conduct background checks on drivers
- Verify commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)
- Check driving records
- Provide proper training
- Monitor driver performance
We subpoena driver qualification files to identify hiring and training failures.
Vehicle Maintenance Failures
Trucks must be properly maintained. Common maintenance-related causes of accidents include:
- Brake failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system failures
- Lighting and visibility issues
We obtain maintenance records to identify deferred repairs and inspection failures.
Cargo Securement Violations
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills. Federal regulations require:
- Proper tiedowns and blocking
- Weight distribution within limits
- Securement for specific cargo types
We investigate loading procedures and securement methods.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles—typically $750,000 to $5,000,000. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. You may be entitled to:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer.
Follett Trucking Accident Statistics
While specific Follett statistics aren’t available, Texas trucking accident data shows:
- Over 32,000 truck crashes in Texas annually
- More than 500 fatalities per year
- 1 in 3 fatal crashes involves a large truck
- I-40 and US-83 corridors see frequent trucking accidents
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Follett Trucking Case
1. Local Knowledge
We understand Follett’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns. Our team knows the local judges, opposing attorneys, and insurance adjusters.
2. Immediate Action
We send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to protect critical evidence before it’s destroyed.
3. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims.
4. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve secured:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
- $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case
- $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
- Millions for wrongful death cases
5. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases.
6. Spanish Language Services
Hablamos Español. Our team includes bilingual staff to serve Follett’s Hispanic community.
The Attorney911 Difference
We treat our clients like family. When you call Attorney911, you get:
- Direct access to attorneys (not just case managers)
- Regular case updates
- Honest assessments of your case
- Aggressive representation against trucking companies
One client wrote: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris
Follett Trucking Accident FAQ
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 contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Texas uses modified comparative negligence. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault. We gather evidence to prove the truck driver’s responsibility.
How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case value depends on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of negligence
- Available insurance
Trucking cases often settle for significantly more than car accident cases due to higher insurance limits.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Follett, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our Follett trucking accident lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call now before it’s too late.