18-Wheeler Accidents in Lubbock County: Your Guide to Justice After a Trucking Disaster
Every year, hundreds of families in Lubbock County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. The massive size and weight of these commercial vehicles—often 20-25 times heavier than passenger cars—create catastrophic outcomes when collisions occur on our highways and local roads. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Lubbock County, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our West Texas trucking corridors.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. With offices serving Lubbock County and federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas, we have the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex trucking accident cases.
The Stark Reality of Trucking Accidents in Lubbock County
Lubbock County’s position at the intersection of major freight routes makes our highways particularly vulnerable to commercial vehicle accidents. The I-27 corridor connecting Lubbock to Amarillo and the US-84/87 routes carry significant truck traffic transporting agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and consumer goods through our region. These factors create unique risks for local drivers:
- 80,000 pounds of force: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—creating stopping distances of 525 feet at highway speeds
- Fatigue-related crashes: Many truck drivers passing through Lubbock County are on long-haul routes from Mexico to Canada or coast-to-coast
- Agricultural trucking: Seasonal harvests create spikes in local truck traffic that may not be properly licensed or maintained
- Oilfield equipment: The Permian Basin’s energy sector generates oversize load traffic that requires special permits
- Limited emergency services: Rural stretches of Lubbock County highways may have delayed emergency response times
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 76% of fatalities in trucking accidents are occupants of the smaller vehicle. In Lubbock County, this translates to families facing traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death from preventable trucking accidents.
Why Lubbock County Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Representation
Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from typical car accident claims. The complexity of these cases requires attorneys with specific expertise:
1. Federal Regulations That Apply to Every Truck on Our Roads
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking operations through Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations create legal standards that trucking companies must follow:
- Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395): Limits driving time to prevent fatigue-related crashes
- Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391): Requires background checks, medical certification, and proper licensing
- Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396): Mandates systematic inspection and repair programs
- Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393): Establishes standards for proper load securement
- Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382): Requires pre-employment and random testing programs
When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents. Our firm has recovered millions for clients by proving FMCSA violations in Lubbock County courtrooms.
2. Multiple Liable Parties in Every Trucking Accident
Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:
- The truck driver: For violations of traffic laws, hours of service, or safe driving practices
- The trucking company: For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
- The cargo owner: For improper loading or hazardous material violations
- The loading company: For failing to properly secure cargo
- The truck manufacturer: For defective components that contributed to the crash
- The maintenance provider: For negligent repairs that failed
- The freight broker: For hiring unsafe carriers
- Government entities: For dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident
Our Lubbock County trucking accident attorneys investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery. We’ve successfully held major corporations accountable, including Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS trucking operations.
3. Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly
Evidence in trucking accident cases has a short lifespan. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever:
- Black box data (ECM/EDR): Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
- ELD records: Electronic logging devices record hours of service compliance
- Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video: Business security cameras typically overwrite within 30 days
- Physical evidence: Vehicles may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
- Witness memories: Fade significantly within weeks
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve all evidence before it’s destroyed. This immediate action has been crucial in securing multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lubbock County
The unique geography and trucking patterns of Lubbock County create specific accident risks:
1. Jackknife Accidents on I-27 and US-84
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on Lubbock County’s highways due to:
- Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing
- Improper braking techniques on long descents
- Speeding through curves and ramps
The sudden loss of control in jackknife accidents often leads to multi-vehicle pileups, especially in high-traffic areas like the I-27/US-84 interchange.
2. Underride Collisions at Intersections
Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. These are particularly dangerous at Lubbock County intersections where:
- Trucks make wide right turns that cut across multiple lanes
- Poor lighting conditions make trailers difficult to see
- Sudden stops by trucks at traffic signals
- Inadequate or missing underride guards
Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers (49 CFR § 393.86), but no such requirement exists for side underride guards—despite their deadly consequences.
3. Tire Blowouts on Long-Haul Routes
Lubbock County’s position on major transcontinental routes means many trucks passing through are on long hauls that increase tire failure risks. Blowouts are particularly dangerous because:
- Steer tire blowouts can cause immediate loss of control
- Debris from blown tires can strike following vehicles
- High speeds on I-27 and US-84 increase the risk of secondary crashes
- Extreme West Texas heat accelerates tire wear and failure
FMCSA regulations require minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on other positions (49 CFR § 393.75), but many trucking companies push tires beyond safe limits to save costs.
4. Rollover Accidents in Agricultural Areas
Rollover accidents are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents, often resulting in crushing injuries or cargo spills. In Lubbock County, these are particularly common due to:
- Top-heavy loads of agricultural products
- Liquid cargo that shifts during transport (milk, oil, chemicals)
- Sharp turns on rural roads and farm-to-market routes
- Speeding on curves and ramps
- Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit
The agricultural nature of our region creates unique rollover risks that require specialized investigation.
5. Rear-End Collisions at Highway Speeds
The long stopping distances required by 18-wheelers make rear-end collisions particularly devastating. These accidents are common in Lubbock County due to:
- Following too closely on I-27 and US-84
- Driver distraction from dispatch communications
- Fatigue from long-haul routes through West Texas
- Brake failures from deferred maintenance
- Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns
A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers fail to maintain safe following distances, the results are often catastrophic.
6. Wide Turn Accidents in Urban Areas
Lubbock’s growing urban areas create challenges for large trucks making turns. Wide turn accidents occur when:
- Trucks swing left before making a right turn
- Passenger vehicles enter the gap created by the wide turn
- Trucks fail to properly signal their turning intention
- Drivers fail to check mirrors for vehicles in blind spots
These accidents are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in downtown Lubbock and along commercial corridors.
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Lubbock County Trucking Accidents
The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm rather than the exception in Lubbock County:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. In trucking accidents, we see:
- Mild TBI (concussion): Confusion, headaches, memory problems
- Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
- Severe TBI: Permanent disability, coma, or persistent vegetative state
The lifetime costs of TBI can exceed $3 million, depending on severity. Many of our Lubbock County clients require lifelong care and supervision after severe TBI.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in permanent paralysis:
- 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 function below the injury
The lifetime costs of spinal cord injuries range from $1.1 million for low paraplegia to $5 million for high quadriplegia. These injuries often require home modifications, specialized equipment, and 24/7 care.
Amputations
Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or require surgical removal due to severe damage. Common in Lubbock County trucking accidents due to:
- Crushing forces from truck impacts
- Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
- Severe burns requiring surgical removal
- Infections from open wounds
Amputations require prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and often result in permanent disability. The lifetime costs can exceed $8 million for bilateral amputations.
Severe Burns
Burns occur in trucking accidents when fuel tanks rupture, hazmat cargo ignites, or friction creates thermal injuries. We see:
- First-degree burns: Minor, heal without scarring
- Second-degree burns: May scar, require grafting
- Third-degree burns: Full thickness, require skin grafts
- Fourth-degree burns: Extend to muscle and bone
Burn injuries often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and result in permanent scarring. The pain and psychological trauma can be lifelong.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents claim lives in Lubbock County, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Lubbock County juries have awarded millions in wrongful death cases when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety.
The FMCSA Violations We Find in Lubbock County Trucking Accidents
Federal regulations exist to prevent the very accidents we see on Lubbock County roads. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic crashes. These are the most common FMCSA violations we uncover in our investigations:
1. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Hours of service regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving, which causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. The rules limit:
- 11-hour driving limit: Maximum of 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
- 34-hour restart: Must have 34 consecutive hours off to reset weekly limits
We’ve recovered millions for clients by proving hours of service violations through ELD data, dispatch records, and fuel receipts.
2. False Log Entries
Before electronic logging devices (ELDs), drivers routinely falsified paper logs to hide hours of service violations. While ELDs have reduced this practice, we still find:
- Manual entries that don’t match ELD data
- Multiple drivers using the same ELD
- Logs that don’t account for all on-duty time
- “Off-duty” time that was actually spent loading/unloading
False log entries demonstrate a pattern of deception that can support punitive damage claims.
3. Brake System Deficiencies (49 CFR § 393.48)
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common violations include:
- Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
- Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
- Air brake system leaks or failures
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Defective brake components
We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove brake failures contributed to crashes.
4. Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. The regulations require:
- Working load limits that can withstand 0.8g deceleration
- Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length and weight
- Proper blocking and bracing for specific cargo types
- Regular inspection of cargo during transit
When cargo shifts or spills, it can cause rollovers, loss of control, or create road hazards for other vehicles.
5. Unqualified Drivers (49 CFR Part 391)
Driver qualification regulations ensure only properly trained and medically fit drivers operate commercial vehicles. Violations include:
- Drivers without valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDL)
- Drivers without current medical certification
- Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses
- Drivers with disqualifying medical conditions
- Drivers with histories of traffic violations or accidents
We subpoena driver qualification files to prove negligent hiring when unqualified drivers cause accidents.
6. Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 382)
FMCSA regulations prohibit commercial drivers from:
- Using alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty
- Operating with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher
- Using Schedule I controlled substances
- Refusing to submit to drug or alcohol testing
Failed drug tests or positive alcohol tests after an accident provide powerful evidence of negligence.
The Evidence We Preserve in Lubbock County Trucking Cases
Evidence preservation is critical in trucking accident cases. We take immediate action to secure all available evidence before it’s destroyed:
1. Electronic Data from the Truck
Modern commercial trucks contain sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:
- Engine Control Module (ECM): Records engine performance, speed, RPM, throttle position, cruise control status, and fault codes
- Event Data Recorder (EDR): Captures pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Records hours of service compliance, GPS location, and driving time
- Telematics Systems: Provide real-time GPS tracking, speed, and driver behavior data
- Dashcam Footage: Records video of the road ahead and sometimes the cab interior
This data provides objective evidence of what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve this data before it’s overwritten.
2. Driver Qualification and Employment Records
The driver qualification file (49 CFR § 391.51) must contain:
- Employment application and background check
- Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
- Road test certificate or equivalent
- Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for 2 years)
- Annual driving record review
- Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
- Drug and alcohol test records
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. We’ve recovered millions for clients by uncovering these violations.
3. Maintenance and Inspection Records
FMCSA requires systematic maintenance programs (49 CFR § 396.3) including:
- Annual inspections (49 CFR § 396.17)
- Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)
- Repair and maintenance records
- Brake adjustment records
- Tire replacement history
Poor maintenance records demonstrate negligence that can support punitive damage claims.
4. Hours of Service Documentation
Hours of service compliance can be proven through:
- ELD records
- Paper logs (for older trucks)
- Dispatch records
- Fuel receipts
- Toll receipts
- Weigh station records
- Cell phone records
We analyze these records to identify patterns of violations that demonstrate systematic safety failures.
5. Cargo and Loading Documentation
Cargo-related evidence includes:
- Bills of lading
- Loading diagrams
- Securement equipment used
- Weight tickets
- Hazmat documentation (if applicable)
Improper loading or securement can cause rollovers, loss of control, or cargo spills.
6. Drug and Alcohol Test Results
FMCSA requires:
- Pre-employment drug tests
- Random drug and alcohol testing
- Post-accident testing
- Reasonable suspicion testing
Failed tests or refusal to test provides powerful evidence of impairment.
7. Cell Phone and Electronic Device Records
Distracted driving is a major factor in trucking accidents. We obtain:
- Cell phone records showing calls and texts
- GPS data from electronic devices
- Dispatch communication records
- In-cab computer usage records
These records can prove distracted driving even when no criminal charges are filed.
The Lubbock County Trucking Corridors We Know Well
Lubbock County’s position in West Texas makes it a critical hub for commercial freight. Our attorneys have extensive experience with the trucking corridors that serve our region:
I-27 Corridor
The I-27 corridor connects Lubbock to Amarillo and carries significant north-south freight. This route presents unique challenges:
- Long straight stretches that can induce driver fatigue
- Sudden weather changes that require rapid adjustments in driving behavior
- High truck traffic density particularly during harvest seasons
- Limited emergency services on rural stretches between cities
- Construction zones that create sudden slowdowns
We’ve handled numerous cases involving accidents on I-27 where driver fatigue, speeding, or improper cargo securement caused catastrophic crashes.
US-84/87 Routes
The combined US-84/87 routes carry east-west traffic through Lubbock County, connecting to major interstates:
- US-84 runs from Ruidoso, New Mexico through Lubbock to Waco
- US-87 runs from Raton, New Mexico through Lubbock to Port Lavaca
- High truck volumes transporting agricultural products and consumer goods
- Rural stretches with limited services and emergency response
- Intersection hazards where highways cross local roads
The agricultural nature of this corridor creates unique accident patterns, including rollovers from shifting grain loads and collisions with farm equipment.
Farm-to-Market Roads
Lubbock County’s extensive network of farm-to-market roads presents special challenges:
- Narrow lanes not designed for large trucks
- Sharp turns that require reduced speeds
- Limited shoulders that increase rollover risks
- Farm equipment traffic creating speed differentials
- Dust storms that reduce visibility during harvest season
These roads are particularly dangerous for trucks transporting oversize agricultural equipment or liquid cargo that can shift during turns.
Urban Areas and Commercial Corridors
Lubbock’s growing urban areas create unique trucking accident risks:
- Avenue Q and 50th Street: Major commercial corridors with high truck traffic
- Downtown Lubbock: Pedestrian and cyclist risks from wide-turn accidents
- Loop 289: High-speed truck traffic mixing with local commuters
- Marsha Sharp Freeway: Construction zones and merging traffic
- Distribution centers: Concentrated truck traffic around warehouses and logistics hubs
Urban accidents often involve multiple liable parties and complex liability determinations.
How We Build Your Lubbock County Trucking Accident Case
Our approach to trucking accident cases combines aggressive investigation with sophisticated legal strategy:
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
- Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
- Preserve surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Hire accident reconstruction experts to document the scene
This immediate action has been crucial in securing multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
2. Comprehensive Investigation
Our investigation goes beyond the police report to uncover all liable parties and contributing factors:
- Accident reconstruction: We work with expert engineers to recreate the crash
- Vehicle inspection: We examine the truck for mechanical defects
- Driver background check: We investigate the driver’s history and qualifications
- Company safety record: We obtain the carrier’s FMCSA compliance history
- Cargo analysis: We determine if improper loading contributed to the crash
- Roadway analysis: We investigate if road conditions played a role
This comprehensive approach ensures we identify all potential defendants and sources of recovery.
3. Proving Negligence Through FMCSA Violations
We build our cases around FMCSA violations that demonstrate negligence:
- Hours of service violations: Proving driver fatigue
- False log entries: Demonstrating deception and pattern of violations
- Brake system deficiencies: Showing systematic maintenance failures
- Cargo securement violations: Proving improper loading caused the crash
- Unqualified drivers: Establishing negligent hiring practices
- Drug/alcohol violations: Proving impairment at the time of the accident
These violations create powerful evidence that resonates with Lubbock County juries.
4. Maximizing Your Recovery Through Multiple Defendants
Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We pursue claims against:
- The truck driver: For direct negligence
- The trucking company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence
- The cargo owner: For improper loading or hazardous materials
- The loading company: For failure to properly secure cargo
- The truck manufacturer: For defective components
- The maintenance provider: For negligent repairs
- The freight broker: For hiring unsafe carriers
- Government entities: For dangerous road conditions
This comprehensive approach maximizes your recovery by accessing multiple insurance policies.
5. Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which creates leverage in settlement negotiations:
- Demand letters: We send comprehensive demand packages calculating all damages
- Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Litigation: We file lawsuits when fair settlements aren’t offered
- Discovery: We conduct depositions and obtain critical evidence
- Trial preparation: We prepare for trial to maintain settlement leverage
Our trial experience and willingness to go to court result in better settlements for our clients.
The Damages We Recover for Lubbock County Trucking Accident Victims
Our goal is to recover full compensation for all the ways a trucking accident has impacted your life:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
- 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, home modifications, assistive devices
- Life care costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain from injuries
- Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
- 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
In cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, we pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. These are available when:
- The trucking company knew about safety violations but ignored them
- Drivers were pressured to violate hours of service regulations
- Evidence was destroyed to hide wrongdoing
- There was a pattern of similar violations
Texas law limits punitive damages to the greater of: (1) two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, or (2) $200,000. However, these caps don’t apply to wrongful death cases or cases involving certain types of misconduct.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lubbock County Trucking Accident Case
When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team with the experience, resources, and determination to take on the trucking industry. Here’s why Lubbock County families choose Attorney911:
1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. Our firm has:
- Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
- Taken on major trucking companies including Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS
- Handled complex cases involving FMCSA violations, product defects, and wrongful death
- Secured justice for families devastated by catastrophic injuries
This experience gives us the knowledge and credibility to maximize your recovery.
2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side, learning:
- How insurance companies value claims
- What makes them offer fair settlements
- How they train adjusters to lowball victims
- What evidence makes them take cases seriously
This insider knowledge is your advantage in settlement negotiations.
3. Federal Court Experience for Interstate Trucking Cases
Many trucking accidents involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal cases that other firms can’t.
4. Immediate Evidence Preservation Protocol
We understand that evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol includes:
- Sending spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demanding immediate download of black box data
- Securing dashcam footage before it’s deleted
- Preserving surveillance video from nearby businesses
- Photographing the accident scene and vehicles
- Interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh
This immediate action has been crucial in securing multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
5. Comprehensive Investigation Resources
We have the resources to thoroughly investigate even the most complex trucking accidents:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Vehicle inspection specialists
- FMCSA compliance experts
- Medical experts to establish injury causation
- Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
- Economic experts to determine present value of damages
- Life care planners to develop comprehensive care plans
This comprehensive approach ensures we build the strongest possible case for maximum recovery.
6. Willingness to Take Cases to Trial
While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:
- Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
- Forces insurance companies to take our demands seriously
- Demonstrates to defendants that we’re prepared to fight
- Results in better settlements for our clients
Our trial experience and willingness to go to court set us apart from firms that only settle cases.
7. Compassionate Representation for Catastrophic Injuries
We understand the devastating impact trucking accidents have on families. Our approach combines:
- Aggressive legal representation against trucking companies
- Compassionate support for your family during recovery
- Clear communication about your case progress
- Guidance through the medical and rehabilitation process
- Help accessing the care you need
You’re more than just a case number to us—you’re family.
8. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This means:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- No risk to you
- We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
- You only pay if we win your case
This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Lubbock County
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Lubbock County, follow these steps to protect your rights:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately. Many injuries—especially internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries—may not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also be crucial evidence in your case.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Always call 911 and report the accident. The police report will document:
- The facts of the accident
- Witness statements
- The officer’s determination of fault
- Any citations issued
This report will be important evidence in your case.
3. Document the Scene
If you’re able, document the accident scene:
- Take photos of all vehicle damage
- Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles
- Take pictures of road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note the weather and lighting conditions
This documentation can be crucial in proving what happened.
4. Get the Truck Driver’s and Trucking Company’s Information
Obtain:
- The truck driver’s name, license number, and contact information
- The trucking company’s name and DOT number
- The truck’s license plate number
- The trailer’s license plate number
- Insurance information for all parties
This information will be essential for identifying all liable parties.
5. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters will call quickly after an accident. They are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim. Do not give any recorded statements without consulting an attorney first.
6. Contact an Experienced Lubbock County Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately
Time is critical in trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company will be working to protect their interests. Contact Attorney911 immediately for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lubbock County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Lubbock County?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait to take legal action. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on many factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical expenses (past and future)
- Your lost income and earning capacity
- The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- The available insurance coverage
- The impact on your quality of life
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers—often $750,000 to $5 million or more—which allows for larger recoveries. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:
- Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
- Forces insurance companies to take our demands seriously
- Demonstrates to defendants that we’re prepared to fight
- Results in better settlements for our clients
Our trial experience and willingness to go to court set us apart from firms that only settle cases.
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’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:
- 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.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Quick settlement offers are almost always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.
Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable for:
- Negligent hiring of an unsafe driver
- Negligent supervision of the driver
- Negligent maintenance of the vehicle
- Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions
We investigate all relationships to identify all potentially liable parties.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Trucking companies are required to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum or large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passengers
We pursue claims against the insurance company, not the trucking company itself. Additionally, we investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you have multiple sources of recovery.
Can I recover compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Texas law allows you to recover compensation for:
- Physical pain from your injuries
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Physical impairment
These non-economic damages can be significant, especially in cases involving catastrophic injuries.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
Lubbock County allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Time limits apply, so contact us immediately to protect your rights.
Contact Attorney911 for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Lubbock County, don’t wait to get the help you need. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests—you deserve the same level of representation.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:
- Review the facts of your case
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Answer all your questions
- Begin preserving critical evidence immediately
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Remember: Evidence disappears quickly in trucking accident cases. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. When disaster strikes, you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it—because it does. Call us today.
