18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Marion County, Texas – Attorney911

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving on Marion County’s highways, and the next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes of traffic. The force of the collision changes everything in an instant. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Marion County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes devastating accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of trucking accidents across Texas. We know the Marion County courts, the local highways, and the tactics trucking companies use to avoid responsibility. And we know how to win.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. They involve:

• Massive size and weight disparities – An 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger vehicle
• Complex liability – Multiple parties may be responsible, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers
• Federal regulations – Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA safety rules, and violations can prove negligence
• Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage, allowing for larger recoveries
• Catastrophic injuries – TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death are tragically common

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Marion County, you need an attorney who understands these differences and knows how to maximize your recovery.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Marion County

Marion County’s highways, including US-59, US-96, and State Highway 43, see heavy truck traffic from freight carriers, oilfield services, and agricultural transport. Some of the most dangerous trucking accidents we see include:

1. Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, it can block multiple lanes and cause devastating multi-vehicle pileups. These often happen due to:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake failures

2. Rollover Accidents

Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to rollovers, especially on curves or when taking exits too fast. Common causes include:

• Speeding on Marion County’s rural highways
• Improperly secured cargo shifting during transit
• Liquid cargo “sloshing” and destabilizing the trailer
• Overcorrection after a tire blowout

3. Underride Collisions (The Most Deadly Truck Accidents)

When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal. These horrific crashes occur when:

• Trucks stop suddenly without adequate warning
• Trailers have missing or defective underride guards
• Poor lighting or visibility makes trucks hard to see
• Trucks make wide turns or lane changes into smaller vehicles

4. Rear-End Collisions

Trucks need 525 feet to stop at highway speeds—nearly two football fields. When they can’t stop in time, the results are devastating. Causes include:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue (HOS violations)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before completing a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles can enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents are common at intersections in Jefferson, Marshall, and other Marion County communities.

6. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

Trucks have four massive blind spots where the driver can’t see other vehicles:

• Front No-Zone (20 feet in front of the cab)
• Rear No-Zone (30 feet behind the trailer)
• Left Side No-Zone (extends from the cab door backward)
• Right Side No-Zone (the largest blind spot, extending from the cab door backward)

When truck drivers change lanes without checking these blind spots, catastrophic sideswipe accidents occur.

7. Tire Blowouts

Marion County’s hot Texas summers and long highway stretches put enormous stress on truck tires. Blowouts can cause:

• Loss of control and rollovers
• Multi-vehicle pileups from debris
• Secondary crashes when drivers swerve to avoid tire remnants

Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Manufacturing defects

8. Brake Failures

Poorly maintained brakes are a leading cause of trucking accidents. When brakes fail, trucks can’t stop in time, leading to:

• High-speed rear-end collisions
• Runaway trucks on steep grades
• Multi-vehicle pileups

FMCSA regulations require systematic inspection and maintenance, but many trucking companies cut corners to save money.

9. Cargo Spills & Shifts

Improperly secured cargo can:

• Shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other drivers
• Spill hazardous materials, causing chemical exposure and fires

10. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal law limits truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (including non-driving tasks)
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules, fatigue impairs their reaction time and judgment, leading to preventable accidents.

Who Is Liable for Your Marion County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving (HOS violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations (running red lights, improper lane changes)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the deepest pocket and can be held liable for:

• Vicarious liability – The company is responsible for its employees’ actions
• Negligent hiring – Failing to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver behavior and compliance
• Negligent maintenance – Failing to keep vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring the carrier to meet unrealistic deadlines

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

5. Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable for:

• Design defects (unstable trailers, inadequate underride guards)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

• Defective brake systems
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

7. 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 incorrect parts

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier safety records

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

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

10. Government Entity

In rare cases, government agencies may be liable for:

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

The Evidence We Preserve in Every Marion County Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. 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.

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, demanding that all evidence be preserved. Here’s what we secure:

1. Electronic Data (The “Black Box”)

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record:

• Speed before and during the crash (proves speeding)
• Brake application timing (shows if driver reacted in time)
• Throttle position (reveals if driver was accelerating)
• Following distance (proves tailgating)
• GPS location and route history
• Fault codes (may reveal known mechanical issues)

This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We act immediately to preserve it.

2. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

ELDs record driver hours of service, proving:

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

3. Driver Qualification File (DQ File)

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

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

4. Maintenance and Inspection Records

We obtain:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Annual inspection records
• Maintenance work orders
• Brake adjustment records
• Tire replacement history

Poor maintenance records prove negligence.

5. Dispatch and Trip Records

We review:

• Dispatch logs
• Trip sheets
• Delivery schedules
• Communication with the driver

This reveals whether the company pressured the driver to violate HOS rules.

6. Drug and Alcohol Test Results

FMCSA requires:

• Pre-employment drug testing
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing

Failed tests prove impairment at the time of the accident.

7. Cell Phone Records

We subpoena:

• Call logs
• Text messages
• Data usage

This proves distracted driving.

8. Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

We obtain:

• Forward-facing dashcam video
• Cab-facing video (shows driver behavior)
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Traffic camera footage

9. The Physical Truck and Trailer

We inspect:

• Brake condition and adjustment
• Tire condition and tread depth
• Underride guard condition
• Cargo securement devices
• Lighting and reflectors

10. Witness Statements

We interview:

• Other drivers involved
• Eyewitnesses
• First responders
• Truck stop employees
• Weigh station personnel

Catastrophic Injuries from Marion County Trucking Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to a smaller vehicle, the results are often devastating.

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, this happens when:

• Your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
• The force of the collision causes your brain to impact the inside of your skull
• Debris penetrates the skull

Symptoms may include:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability)
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work
• Need for lifelong care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

2. Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of paralysis:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs (may require ventilator)
• Incomplete injury – Some nerve function remains
• Complete injury – Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

3. Amputations

Amputations can occur:

• At the scene – When limbs are severed by crash forces
• During rescue – When limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed
• After the accident – Due to infections from open wounds

Ongoing medical needs:

• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

4. Severe Burns

Burns occur in trucking accidents due to:

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from damaged wiring
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical exposure from hazmat

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, may require amputation)

5. Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

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

Why dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

6. Wrongful Death

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

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

How Much Is Your Marion County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements (Nationwide)

These cases demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

While every case is unique, these verdicts show that juries are willing to award massive damages when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety.

Marion County’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Marion County is located in East Texas, near the Louisiana border, and serves as a critical transportation hub for freight moving between Texas, Louisiana, and the Midwest. Major trucking routes in and around Marion County include:

1. US-59 (Future I-69)

• Primary north-south corridor connecting Houston to Texarkana and beyond
• Heavy truck traffic from oilfield services, agriculture, and general freight
• High accident rates due to speeding, fatigue, and distracted driving

2. US-96

• East-west route connecting Beaumont to Jasper and beyond
• Significant timber and agricultural trucking
• Dangerous curves and limited shoulders increase accident risk

3. State Highway 43

• Rural highway connecting Jefferson to Marshall
• Oilfield and agricultural trucking
• Limited lighting and wildlife crossings create hazards

4. I-20 (Nearby in Longview and Shreveport)

• Major transcontinental route carrying freight from Texas to the Southeast
• High volume of long-haul trucking
• Accidents often involve fatigue, speeding, and cargo shifts

5. I-10 (Nearby in Beaumont and Lake Charles)

• Primary Gulf Coast corridor connecting California to Florida
• Heavy petrochemical and port-related trucking
• Accidents often involve hazmat cargo and tire blowouts

Local Danger Zones in Marion County

• US-59 at FM 248 – High-speed intersection with frequent rear-end collisions
• US-96 at FM 1999 – Dangerous curve with limited visibility
• Jefferson downtown area – Heavy truck traffic mixing with local vehicles
• Weigh stations and truck stops – Areas where fatigued drivers may make poor decisions

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Marion County

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Marion County, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out—adrenaline masks pain

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care
• Follow up with your doctor and specialists as needed
• Document all injuries and treatment—this creates critical evidence

3. Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
  • Your injuries
  • Street signs and traffic signals
  • The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name
• Get witness information (names and phone numbers)
• Write down your recollection of what happened while it’s fresh

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

• Insurance adjusters will call you quickly—they work for the trucking company, not you
• Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
• Refer all calls to your attorney

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

• Evidence disappears fast—ECM data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Trucking companies act quickly to protect their interests
• The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Marion County Trucking Accident Case?

When you’re up against a trucking company with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance coverage, you need a firm with the experience, resources, and determination to level the playing field. Here’s why Attorney911 is the right choice for your Marion County trucking accident case:

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

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

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and UPS
• Litigated complex trucking cases in federal and state courts
• Secured justice for families devastated by wrongful death and catastrophic injuries

2. Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle:

• Interstate trucking cases
• Complex multi-party litigation
• Cases involving federal regulations

3. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers:

• Evaluate claims
• Train adjusters to minimize payouts
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Delay and deny legitimate claims

Now he uses that knowledge to fight for YOU.

4. Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 390-399) inside and out. We use violations of these rules to prove negligence, including:

• Hours of service violations (fatigue)
• False log entries
• Negligent hiring and training
• Poor maintenance and inspections
• Cargo securement failures

5. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• Dashcam footage
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files

We don’t let trucking companies destroy the evidence that proves your case.

6. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for our clients, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement

7. Local Knowledge of Marion County

We know:

• The Marion County courts and judges
• The local trucking corridors (US-59, US-96, SH-43)
• The common accident patterns in the area
• The local trauma centers and medical providers

8. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)

Many trucking accident victims in Marion County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

9. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win your case. This means:

• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• No financial risk to you
• We advance all costs of litigation

10. Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation

We treat every client like family. Our clients say:

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris

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

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

What Our Clients Say About Us

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what our clients say about their experience with Attorney911:

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.”
— Mongo Slade

“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

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
— Kiimarii Yup

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker

“Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.”
— Beth Bonds

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.”
— Amaziah A.T.

“Mr. Maginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
— Ernest Cano

“Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise… tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”
— Jamin Marroquin

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

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia

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

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
— Chavodrian Miles

“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.”
— Tymesha Galloway

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
— Stephanie Hernandez

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez

Frequently Asked Questions About Marion County Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Marion County?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Marion County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• 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

2. 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. Marion County hospitals like CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana and Marshall Regional Medical Center can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Marion County?

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.

6. Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Marion County?

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.

7. 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)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

8. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Marion County follows Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule. 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)
• Prove what really happened

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash (proves speeding)
• Brake application timing (shows if driver reacted in time)
• Throttle position (reveals if driver was accelerating)
• Following distance (proves tailgating)
• GPS location and route history
• Fault codes (may reveal known mechanical issues)

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

12. 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 HOS regulations
• How long the driver was on duty
• Whether required breaks were taken
• GPS location history

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

13. How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten in 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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 duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Marion County?

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

21. How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Marion County?

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.

22. What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Marion County?

Marion County 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.

23. How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Marion County?

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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• If you are 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages
• If you are 51% at fault, you recover nothing

Our job is to minimize your attributed fault and maximize your recovery.

Marion County Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, here are some of the results we’ve achieved for trucking accident victims:

Contact Attorney911 Today – Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Marion County, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Trucking companies have lawyers working to protect them—you deserve the same level of representation.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We offer:
✅ Free, no-obligation consultation
✅ No fee unless we win your case
✅ 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
✅ Bilingual services – Hablamos Español
✅ Local knowledge – We know Marion County’s courts and highways

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 now.

1-888-ATTY-911

The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.