18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of New Deal: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of New Deal, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly devastating, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across West Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Why Town of New Deal Trucking Accidents Are Different
Town of New Deal sits at a critical juncture of West Texas’s trucking corridors. The area’s mix of rural highways, agricultural freight, and local distribution centers creates unique risks for commercial vehicle accidents. Unlike urban areas where traffic congestion slows vehicles, Town of New Deal’s open roads allow trucks to travel at high speeds, increasing the severity of crashes when they occur.
Local factors that contribute to Town of New Deal trucking accidents include:
- Agricultural freight patterns – Heavy grain, cotton, and livestock trucks frequent local roads
- Seasonal harvest traffic – Increased trucking during planting and harvest seasons
- Mixed rural/urban traffic – Local drivers sharing roads with long-haul truckers
- Highway infrastructure – The intersection of major routes creates congestion points
- Weather conditions – High winds and sudden storms common in West Texas
The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes
An 80,000-pound fully loaded 18-wheeler doesn’t give you time to react. When these massive vehicles crash, the results are often catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injuries – The leading cause of death in trucking accidents
- Spinal cord damage – Often resulting in permanent paralysis
- Amputations – Crushing injuries may require surgical removal
- Severe burns – Fuel tank ruptures can cause life-threatening fires
- Internal organ damage – Blunt force trauma from high-impact collisions
- Wrongful death – Trucking accidents kill hundreds of Texans every year
The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters call, offering quick settlements that won’t cover your long-term needs. This is why you need an experienced Town of New Deal 18-wheeler accident attorney on your side.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Town of New Deal
Trucking accidents don’t happen by accident. In our experience handling hundreds of West Texas trucking cases, we’ve identified these common causes:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit commercial drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Despite these rules, we frequently find drivers exceeding these limits. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines leads to dangerous fatigue. In one recent Town of New Deal case, we discovered a driver had been on the road for 18 consecutive hours before causing a catastrophic crash.
Improper Cargo Loading and Securement
Cargo securement failures cause:
- Rollover accidents when loads shift during turns
- Cargo spills creating road hazards for other vehicles
- Jackknife accidents from unbalanced loads
- Underride collisions when cargo extends beyond the trailer
Federal regulations (49 CFR 393.100-136) require specific securement methods based on cargo type. We’ve seen cases where improperly secured agricultural equipment fell onto passenger vehicles, causing severe injuries.
Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance
Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of trucking accidents. Common maintenance failures include:
- Worn brake pads not replaced
- Improper brake adjustments
- Air brake system leaks
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
In Town of New Deal, we’ve handled cases where trucking companies deferred maintenance to save money, with tragic results.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Commercial drivers face unique distractions:
- Dispatch communications via in-cab electronics
- GPS navigation systems
- Cell phone use (prohibited by 49 CFR 392.82)
- Fatigue from long hours
- Alcohol or drug impairment
We recently handled a case where a driver was texting while hauling a full load of grain on a Town of New Deal county road, causing a multi-vehicle collision.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
The open roads around Town of New Deal tempt drivers to exceed speed limits. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks need significant space to make turns. When drivers swing wide before turning right, they create gaps that other vehicles may enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the smaller vehicle.
Underride Collisions
These deadly crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. Federal regulations (49 CFR 393.86) require rear impact guards, but many trailers lack adequate protection. Side underride guards are not federally required, making side impacts particularly deadly.
Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?
One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying ALL liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, multiple parties may share responsibility in trucking crashes:
The Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Traffic law violations
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because:
- Vicarious liability – They’re responsible for their employees’ actions
- Negligent hiring – Failing to check drivers’ backgrounds
- Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
- Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
- Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
- Scheduling pressure – Encouraging HOS violations
Cargo Owners and Loading Companies
These parties may be liable for:
- Overloading trucks beyond weight limits
- Improper cargo securement
- Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
- Requiring unrealistic delivery schedules
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for defective:
- Braking systems
- Tires
- Steering mechanisms
- Coupling devices
- Underride guards
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs
- Failure to identify safety issues
- Using substandard parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:
- Hiring carriers with poor safety records
- Failing to verify carrier insurance
- Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
Government Entities
In rare cases, government agencies may share liability for:
- Dangerous road design
- Poor maintenance of roads
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Failure to install safety barriers
The Critical Evidence in Your Town of New Deal Trucking Case
Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The trucking company’s rapid-response team begins protecting their interests within hours. Here’s what we immediately preserve for your case:
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Records – Proves hours of service compliance (or violations)
- GPS Tracking – Shows the truck’s route and speed
- Dashcam Footage – Provides video evidence of the crash
- Dispatch Communications – Reveals scheduling pressure and instructions
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification File – Employment application, background check, medical certification
- Driving Record – Previous violations and accidents
- Drug and Alcohol Tests – Pre-employment and random test results
- Training Records – Safety training documentation
Vehicle Records
- Maintenance Records – Repair history and known issues
- Inspection Reports – Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
- Out-of-Service Orders – Previous violations and repairs
- Tire Records – Replacement history and tread depth
Company Records
- Safety Policies – Written procedures and training materials
- Dispatch Logs – Trip assignments and delivery schedules
- CSA Scores – FMCSA safety rating and violation history
- Insurance Policies – Coverage limits and terms
Accident Scene Evidence
- Photographs – Vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions
- Surveillance Video – Footage from nearby businesses
- Witness Statements – Independent accounts of the crash
- Police Report – Official accident investigation
Why You Need a Town of New Deal 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney NOW
Time is not on your side. Critical evidence in your case can disappear within days:
- Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD records may only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video from businesses is typically overwritten in 30 days
- Witness memories fade quickly
- Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed
At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:
- Court sanctions against the trucking company
- Adverse inferences (jury instructed to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
- Default judgment in extreme cases
- Punitive damages for intentional destruction
The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different
When you’re fighting against trucking companies with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance coverage, you need more than just any attorney. You need Attorney911:
25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.
Federal Court Experience
Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may fall under federal jurisdiction.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for YOU.
Deep Local Knowledge
We know Town of New Deal’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of West Texas trucking cases. This local expertise gives us an advantage in building your case.
Aggressive Litigation Approach
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready representation.
Spanish-Language Services
With Lupe Peña’s fluent Spanish and our bilingual staff, we serve Town of New Deal’s Hispanic community directly, without the need for interpreters.
Proven Track Record
- $5+ million settlement for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
- $3.8+ million settlement for a car accident victim who required leg amputation
- $2+ million settlement for a maritime worker with back injuries
- $2.5 million recovery for a trucking accident victim
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases
What Your Town of New Deal Trucking Accident Case Is Worth
The value of your case depends on many factors, but trucking cases typically result in higher compensation than car accidents because:
- Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
- The injuries are usually more severe
- Multiple liable parties may share responsibility
- Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
- Lost wages – Income lost due to your injuries
- Lost earning capacity – Reduction in your ability to earn in the future
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain from your injuries
- Mental anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
- Loss of enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Disfigurement – Scarring or permanent physical changes
- Loss of consortium – Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer. Recent Texas trucking cases have seen punitive awards in the millions.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
- Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost to you
- Case Acceptance – We take your case on contingency (no fee unless we win)
- Immediate Investigation – We send spoliation letters and begin evidence preservation
- Medical Care Coordination – We help you get the treatment you need
- Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
- Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Litigation (if needed) – We file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
- Resolution – Your case settles or goes to trial
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation creates leverage in negotiations and often leads to better settlements.
Town of New Deal-Specific Trucking Corridors and Risks
Town of New Deal sits at the intersection of several critical trucking routes that serve West Texas’s agricultural and energy industries. Understanding these corridors helps us build stronger cases for our clients:
Major Highways Serving Town of New Deal
- US Highway 84 – Connects Lubbock to Clovis, New Mexico, carrying agricultural freight
- Farm to Market Road 1729 – Local route serving agricultural areas
- County Roads – Numerous rural roads used by grain and livestock trucks
Common Truck Types in Town of New Deal
- Grain trucks – Hauling wheat, cotton, and other crops
- Livestock trailers – Transporting cattle and other animals
- Flatbed trucks – Carrying agricultural equipment
- Tanker trucks – Transporting fuel and other liquids
- Interstate freight – Long-haul trucks passing through
Seasonal Trucking Patterns
- Planting season – Increased agricultural equipment and supply shipments
- Harvest season – Heavy grain and cotton truck traffic
- Winter months – Potential for weather-related crashes
- Energy sector fluctuations – Oil and gas industry impacts truck traffic
Special Considerations for Town of New Deal Trucking Cases
Agricultural Trucking Regulations
Agricultural trucks have some exemptions from federal regulations, but these exemptions are limited. We understand the specific rules that apply to farm vehicles and how to hold them accountable when they cause accidents.
Rural Road Challenges
Town of New Deal’s rural roads present unique challenges:
- Limited lighting at night
- Poorly marked intersections
- Narrow shoulders
- High-speed limits
- Mixed vehicle traffic
Local Law Enforcement Response
Town of New Deal accidents may be investigated by:
- Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- Local police departments
We work with these agencies to obtain complete accident reports and investigation findings.
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win
After an 18-wheeler accident, the trucking company’s team springs into action to protect their interests:
- Rapid-response investigators arrive at the scene
- Insurance adjusters call you with lowball settlement offers
- Evidence is preserved to help the trucking company, not you
- Witnesses are interviewed by their team
They have a system for minimizing your claim. We have a system for winning it.
What to Do Right Now
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of New Deal:
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
- Document everything – take photos, get witness information
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence and building your case. Remember – the trucking company’s team is already working against you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Town of New Deal Trucking Accidents
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Town of New Deal?
A: In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case will be.
Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
Q: How much is my Town of New Deal trucking accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of your injuries
- Your medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits, allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Q: What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
A: Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Attorney911?
A: 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.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to trial – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready representation.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: We identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, cargo owners, loading companies, and manufacturers. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants may have insurance coverage.
Q: How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?
A: 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.
Town of New Deal Trucking Accident Resources
Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers
- Covenant Medical Center – Level I Trauma Center serving Town of New Deal
- University Medical Center – Another Level I Trauma Center in Lubbock
- Lubbock-area urgent care centers – For immediate treatment after an accident
Local Courts
- Lubbock County District Courts – Where most Town of New Deal trucking cases are filed
- Lubbock County Justice of the Peace Courts – For smaller claims
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas – For interstate trucking cases
Trucking Safety Resources
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Road condition information
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Carrier safety records
- Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office – Local law enforcement
Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of New Deal, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone fighting for YOU.
At Attorney911, we offer:
- Free consultations – No cost to evaluate your case
- No upfront fees – You pay nothing unless we win
- 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
- Local expertise – We know Town of New Deal’s trucking corridors and courts
- Proven results – Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Town of New Deal 18-wheeler accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
“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
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here to fight for you.