18-Wheeler Accidents in Slaton, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Slaton, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The aftermath of a trucking accident can be overwhelming – mounting medical bills, lost income, physical pain, and emotional trauma. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. With over 25 years of experience fighting for truck accident victims across Texas, our Slaton 18-wheeler accident attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and determination to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Slaton Trucking Accidents Are Different

Slaton sits at a critical juncture in the Texas trucking network. Our location at the intersection of US Highway 84 and State Highway 41 puts us right in the path of major freight routes serving the South Plains region. The trucking corridors serving Slaton carry everything from agricultural products to oilfield equipment, creating unique accident risks:

• Agricultural trucking from surrounding farmland
• Oilfield equipment transport to and from the Permian Basin
• Interstate freight moving through the region
• Local distribution for Slaton businesses

We know Slaton’s trucking corridors, from the weigh stations on US 84 to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year, thousands of catastrophic trucking accidents occur on Texas highways. When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often tragic:

• Traumatic brain injuries from violent impacts
• Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
• Amputations from crushing forces
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures
• Wrongful death of innocent victims

The physics are simple but brutal: an 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car. At highway speeds, that translates to catastrophic force in a collision. In Slaton, we’ve seen too many families devastated by preventable trucking accidents.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Slaton

Our experience handling Slaton trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes of 18-wheeler accidents:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers in Slaton often face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Many violate federal hours-of-service regulations designed to prevent fatigue:

• 11-hour driving limit (after 10 consecutive hours off duty)
• 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour)
• 30-minute break requirement (after 8 cumulative hours of driving)
• 60/70-hour weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

We’ve seen cases where Slaton-area drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide these violations. When fatigue causes an accident, both the driver and trucking company can be held liable.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Slaton’s agricultural and oilfield industries create unique cargo securement challenges:

• Overweight loads exceeding legal limits
• Improperly secured farm equipment
• Unbalanced loads causing instability
• Hazardous materials not properly contained

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require proper cargo securement to prevent spills, shifts, and rollovers. When cargo isn’t properly secured, the results can be deadly.

Brake Failures and Maintenance Neglect

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Slaton’s trucking industry, we frequently find:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes from long descents
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Trucking companies are required to maintain systematic inspection and maintenance programs (49 CFR § 396.3). Failure to do so can make them liable for resulting accidents.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, we continue to see Slaton truck drivers operating while distracted or impaired:

• Cell phone use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Texting while driving (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.80)
• Dispatch communications diverting attention
• Alcohol use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.5)
• Drug use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.4)

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Slaton’s highways see their share of speeding trucks:

• Excessive speed for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)
• Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11)
• Improper lane changes into blind spots
• Failure to yield at intersections

The faster a truck travels, the longer its stopping distance – a fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop.

The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Slaton

Our experience with Slaton trucking accidents has shown that certain accident types are particularly common and devastating:

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These are especially dangerous on Slaton’s highways where:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads can trigger jackknifing
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers are more prone to swing
• Improperly loaded cargo can destabilize the trailer

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often with catastrophic results:

• Rear underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during turns or lane changes

Federal regulations require rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but many trucks lack side guards. These accidents are often fatal.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides, often due to:

• Speeding on curves (common on US 84)
• Top-heavy loads shifting
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Improperly secured liquid cargo “sloshing”

Tire Blowouts

Slaton’s heat and long highway stretches make tire blowouts a significant risk:

• Underinflated tires overheat
• Worn or aging tires fail
• Road debris causes punctures
• Manufacturing defects lead to catastrophic failures

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

These occur when trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating dangerous gaps that other vehicles enter. We see these frequently at Slaton intersections where:

• Trucks must swing wide to clear curbs and signs
• Drivers fail to properly signal their intentions
• Smaller vehicles enter the gap created by the wide turn

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Slaton Trucking Accident?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying ALL potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for negligent conduct such as:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits. They can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

• Dangerous road design contributing to accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

The Critical Evidence in Your Slaton Trucking Accident Case

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. We move fast to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost forever.

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data:
Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data. This can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:
Federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. This data proves:

• Whether the driver violated HOS regulations
• How long the driver had been on duty
• Whether breaks were taken as required
• GPS location history

Telematics Data:
Real-time GPS tracking systems that record:

• Speed history
• Route taken
• Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)
• Location at time of accident

Driver and Company Records

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

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries
• Drug and alcohol test records

Hours of Service Records:
ELD data and supporting documents that show:

• Daily driving and on-duty time
• Compliance with 11-hour and 14-hour rules
• 30-minute break compliance
• Weekly limits compliance

Maintenance Records:
Documentation of all vehicle maintenance including:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Annual inspection records
• Repair work orders
• Parts replacement records
• Brake adjustment records

Drug and Alcohol Test Results:
Pre-employment and random testing records that may reveal:

• Positive test results
• Refusals to test
• Patterns of substance abuse

Cell Phone Records:
Records that may prove distracted driving by showing:

• Phone calls made or received
• Text messages sent or received
• Data usage (email, social media, GPS)

Physical Evidence

The Truck and Trailer:
We preserve the actual vehicles for inspection by:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Mechanical engineers
• Product liability experts

Failed Components:
We preserve failed parts for analysis by:

• Materials engineers
• Forensic experts
• Product liability specialists

Cargo and Securement Devices:
We document and analyze:

• Cargo securement methods
• Tiedown condition and placement
• Load distribution
• Compliance with 49 CFR 393 requirements

Scene Evidence

Accident Scene Documentation:
We gather:

• Police accident reports
• Photographs of the scene
• Skid mark analysis
• Road condition documentation
• Weather conditions at time of accident

Surveillance Footage:
We obtain footage from:

• Nearby business security cameras
• Traffic cameras
• Dashcam footage from other vehicles

Witness Statements:
We collect statements from:

• Other drivers
• Pedestrians
• Business owners
• First responders

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Slaton Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers mean that trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In Slaton trucking accidents, we see:

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Temporary confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the accident or so severely damaged they must be surgically removed.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, or electrical fires.

Burn Classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Really Up Against

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

Their Tactics

Quick Lowball Settlement Offers:
They’ll offer you a quick settlement – often while you’re still in the hospital – hoping you’ll accept far less than your case is worth.

Denying or Minimizing Injuries:
They’ll argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, or that they were pre-existing.

Blaming the Victim:
They’ll try to shift blame to you, even if their driver was clearly at fault.

Delaying the Claims Process:
They’ll drag out the process hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer.

Using Recorded Statements Against You:
They’ll try to get you to give a recorded statement, then use your own words against you.

The “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense:
They’ll argue that your injuries existed before the accident.

The “Gap in Treatment” Attack:
They’ll argue that gaps in your medical treatment mean your injuries aren’t serious.

Sending Surveillance Investigators:
They’ll hire investigators to follow you and film your activities.

Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners:
They’ll send you to doctors who will downplay your injuries.

Drowning You in Paperwork:
They’ll bury you in requests for documents to wear you down.

Our Advantage

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these tactics work. He spent years inside the system, watching adjusters minimize claims and train their people to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

We know:

• How insurance companies value claims
• What makes them settle
• How they train adjusters to manipulate victims
• What evidence they’ll try to destroy
• How to counter every tactic they use

The Legal Process for Your Slaton Trucking Accident Case

Step 1: Free Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

• Review the accident details
• Assess your injuries and damages
• Explain your legal options
• Answer all your questions

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

If you decide to hire us, we move fast to preserve evidence:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
• Subpoena cell phone records
• Obtain police reports and 911 call recordings
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation to build your case:

• Retain accident reconstruction experts
• Analyze ECM and ELD data
• Review driver qualification files
• Examine maintenance records
• Investigate cargo loading procedures
• Check company safety records

Step 4: Medical Care Facilitation

We help connect you with medical providers to ensure you get the treatment you need:

• Referrals to specialists
• Coordination with your health insurance
• Assistance with medical liens
• Documentation of all treatment

Step 5: Demand Letter

We prepare a comprehensive demand package that includes:

• Detailed description of the accident
• Analysis of liability
• Documentation of all damages
• Medical records and bills
• Lost wage documentation
• Expert reports
• Demand for settlement

Step 6: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies:

• Presenting the strongest possible case
• Countering their lowball offers
• Using our insider knowledge of their tactics
• Preparing for trial if necessary

Step 7: Litigation (If Needed)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial:

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
• Conduct aggressive discovery
• Take depositions of key witnesses
• Retain expert witnesses
• Prepare for trial

Step 8: Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

The Statute of Limitations for Slaton Trucking Accidents

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

Important Exceptions:

• Minors: The 2-year clock doesn’t start until the minor turns 18
• Government Entities: If a government vehicle was involved, you may have as little as 6 months to file a claim
• Wrongful Death: The 2-year clock starts from the date of death, not the accident

Why You Shouldn’t Wait:
Even though you have 2 years, you should contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

How Much Is Your Slaton Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but here are some general guidelines based on our experience:

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 to medical appointments, home modifications
• 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, 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 or driver acted with:

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

Texas has a complex cap on punitive damages:

• Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Slaton Trucking Accident Case?

25+ Years of Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• Deep familiarity with Slaton trucking corridors and accident patterns

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

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
• What makes them settle
• How to counter every tactic they use

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families including:

• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
• $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
• $2.5M – Truck Crash Recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners
• FMCSA regulation experts

Client-Focused Approach

We treat our clients like family. Our 4.9-star Google rating (251+ reviews) reflects our commitment to:

• Personal attention
• Clear communication
• Aggressive representation
• Maximum recovery

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

What Our Slaton Clients Say

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

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Immediate Steps to Take After a Slaton Trucking Accident

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Slaton, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene
   • Road conditions
   • Skid marks
   • Injuries
4. Collect Information – Get:
   • 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
5. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
6. Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

The Urgency of Acting Fast

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Slaton Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Slaton?

If you’re able, take these steps immediately:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident 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. Slaton hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

• 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
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

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. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler 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. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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 (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler 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. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

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

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler 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. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Slaton, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.

Remember:

• Free consultation – No obligation
• No fee unless we win – Zero risk
• 24/7 availability – We answer when you need us
• Local knowledge – We know Slaton’s trucking corridors
• Insider advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
• Proven results – $50+ million recovered for Texas families

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

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