18-Wheeler Accidents in Hewitt: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Hewitt, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of these complex cases. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Hewitt and throughout McLennan County for over 25 years, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families just like yours.

Why Hewitt Trucking Accidents Are Different

Hewitt sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors, with I-35 running just east of the city and US-84 serving as a critical east-west route. The area’s mix of local distribution centers, agricultural transport, and long-haul trucking creates unique accident risks:

• I-35 Corridor: One of the busiest trucking routes in America, connecting Mexico to Canada
• US-84 Traffic: Serves as a key route for agricultural products and local distribution
• Highway 6/Loop 390: Heavy truck traffic serving local businesses and residential areas
• Distribution Centers: Increased local truck traffic from warehouses and logistics hubs
• Agricultural Trucking: Seasonal peaks in grain and livestock transport

Our Hewitt trucking accident attorneys know these roads intimately. We understand the specific challenges Hewitt drivers face, from sudden traffic slowdowns near the Hewitt Business Park to the dangerous merge areas where US-84 intersects with major highways.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal:

• Size Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can be 20-25 times heavier than your car
• Force of Impact: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car
• Stopping Distance: A loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop from 65 mph – nearly two football fields

These factors explain why trucking accidents in Hewitt so often result in life-altering injuries:

Catastrophic Injuries We See in Hewitt Trucking Cases

Common Causes of Hewitt 18-Wheeler Accidents

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout Hewitt and McLennan County has revealed distinct accident patterns:

1. Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer on Hewitt’s Highways

Hewitt’s position along major trucking routes means many drivers pass through after long hauls from Dallas, Austin, or San Antonio. FMCSA hours-of-service violations are alarmingly common:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break Rule: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Maximum 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Hewitt-Specific Fatigue Risks:

• Drivers pushing through to make deliveries to Waco-area distribution centers
• Overnight hauls from Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• Pressure from carriers to meet tight schedules
• Inadequate rest stops along I-35 corridor

How We Prove Fatigue in Your Case:

• ELD Data: Electronic logging devices record exact driving times
• Dispatch Records: Show pressure to meet unrealistic schedules
• GPS Tracking: Reveals driving patterns and rest breaks
• Cell Phone Records: May show communication during prohibited hours
• Cargo Manifests: Prove drivers were incentivized to make tight deadlines

2. Distracted Driving: A Growing Threat in Hewitt

With smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major cause of Hewitt trucking accidents:

• Texting While Driving: 6 times more dangerous than drunk driving
• GPS Navigation: Adjusting routes while driving
• Dispatch Communications: Electronic logging devices and messaging systems
• Eating/Drinking: Common during long hauls through Hewitt
• External Distractions: Looking at accidents, billboards, or scenery

FMCSA Regulations Violated:

• 49 CFR § 392.82: Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use
• 49 CFR § 392.80: Prohibits texting while driving

Evidence We Gather:

• Cell phone records showing usage at time of crash
• Dashcam footage showing driver behavior
• Witness statements about driver distraction
• ECM data showing erratic driving patterns

3. Improper Maintenance: Hewitt’s Hidden Danger

Many Hewitt trucking accidents result from deferred maintenance and inspection failures:

• Brake Failures: Account for 29% of all truck accidents
• Tire Blowouts: Common on Hewitt’s hot asphalt roads
• Lighting Defects: Critical for visibility on rural roads
• Steering Malfunctions: Dangerous at highway speeds
• Cargo Securement Failures: Leading to rollovers and spills

FMCSA Maintenance Requirements:

• 49 CFR § 396.3: Systematic inspection and maintenance
• 49 CFR § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
• 49 CFR § 396.17: Annual inspections

How We Prove Maintenance Violations:

• Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
• Inspection reports with noted deficiencies
• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)
• Out-of-service orders from roadside inspections
• Expert analysis of failed components

4. Cargo Securement Failures: Hewitt’s Unique Risk

Hewitt’s agricultural industry and distribution centers create specific cargo securement challenges:

• Agricultural Products: Grain, livestock, and produce loads
• Construction Materials: Heavy equipment and building supplies
• Retail Goods: Palletized merchandise from distribution centers
• Hazardous Materials: Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals

FMCSA Cargo Securement Standards (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward
• Must withstand 0.5g lateral forces
• Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo weight and length

Common Securement Failures in Hewitt:

• Inadequate tiedowns for agricultural loads
• Improper weight distribution in trailers
• Failure to use blocking and bracing
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding weight limits

5. Underride Collisions: Hewitt’s Deadliest Accident Type

Underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often with catastrophic results:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during turns
• Front Underride: Rare but often fatal

Hewitt-Specific Underride Risks:

• Poorly lit rural roads with limited visibility
• Sudden stops at traffic signals in Hewitt
• Wide right turns at intersections
• Trucks parked on roadside without proper lighting

FMCSA Underride Protection Requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.86: Rear impact guards required on trailers
• Must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (advocacy ongoing)

Who’s Responsible for Your Hewitt Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents in Hewitt often involve multiple liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

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

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the primary 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 (not independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on hours of service, cargo securement, defensive driving
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance, safety violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

Insider Advantage:
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Hewitt accident victims.

3. Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own and ship the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight or improperly secured loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines

4. Loading Companies

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

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products:

• Brake system failures
• Tire defects causing blowouts
• Steering component failures
• Underride guard failures
• Electronic system malfunctions

6. Maintenance Companies

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

7. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

8. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable:

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

What to Do After a Hewitt 18-Wheeler Accident

The steps you take in the hours and days after a trucking accident can make or break your case:

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Insist on a police report – it’s legally required in Texas if there are injuries or vehicles can’t be safely driven

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

   • Adrenaline masks pain – you may be more injured than you realize
   • Internal injuries and TBI may not show symptoms immediately
   • Hewitt’s medical facilities:
     • Providence Health Center (Waco) – Level II Trauma Center
     • Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center (Waco)
     • Local urgent care centers for initial evaluation

3. Document the Scene Thoroughly

   • Take photos of:
     • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
     • Skid marks and debris patterns
     • Road conditions and weather
     • Traffic signals and signs
     • Your injuries
     • The entire accident scene from multiple angles

4. Collect Critical Information

   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance information
   • License plate numbers of all vehicles involved
   • Names and contact information of all witnesses
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number

5. Preserve Evidence

   • Do NOT let anyone move the vehicles until police arrive
   • If possible, photograph the truck’s cargo securement
   • Note any visible defects in the truck (bad tires, broken lights, etc.)

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

   • Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
   • Do NOT post about the accident on social media
   • Do NOT sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer
   • Do NOT discuss fault with anyone at the scene

Within 48 Hours: Critical Evidence Preservation

Why Time Is Critical:

• ECM/Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD data may be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence may be repaired or disposed of

What We Do Immediately:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

   • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
   • Sent to trucking company, insurer, and all potentially liable parties
   • Creates legal consequences for evidence destruction

2. Demand Critical Evidence

   • ECM/Black box data download
   • ELD records for 6 months prior
   • Driver Qualification File
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • Cargo securement documentation
   • Dispatch and trip records
   • Cell phone records
   • GPS/telematics data
   • Dashcam footage

3. Conduct Immediate Investigation

   • Visit accident scene before conditions change
   • Photograph skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
   • Interview witnesses before memories fade
   • Obtain police report and 911 call recordings
   • Canvass area for surveillance camera footage

4. Engage Experts Immediately

   • Accident reconstruction specialists
   • Trucking industry experts
   • Medical experts to document injuries
   • Vocational experts to assess impact on earning capacity

Why Hewitt Trucking Accident Cases Are Complex

1. Multiple Liable Parties

Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve 5-10+ defendants, each with their own insurance policies and legal teams. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

2. Federal and State Regulations

Trucking companies must comply with:

• Federal Regulations: 49 CFR Parts 390-399 (FMCSA regulations)
• Texas Transportation Code: State-specific trucking laws
• Local Ordinances: Hewitt and McLennan County regulations

3. High-Stakes Insurance Policies

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• Non-Hazardous Freight: $750,000
• Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

4. Aggressive Defense Tactics

Trucking companies and their insurers use sophisticated tactics to minimize claims:

• Rapid Response Teams: Deployed within hours to protect their interests
• Lowball Settlement Offers: Made before victims understand their injuries
• Recorded Statements: Used to trap victims into damaging admissions
• Surveillance: Private investigators follow victims to disprove injuries
• Independent Medical Exams: Doctors hired to minimize injury claims
• Comparative Fault Claims: Attempts to blame victims

5. Complex Evidence Requirements

Proving a trucking case requires:

• Electronic Data: ECM, ELD, GPS, telematics
• Paper Records: Driver logs, inspection reports, maintenance records
• Physical Evidence: Truck components, cargo securement devices
• Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction, medical, vocational

How We Build Your Hewitt Trucking Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident Reconstruction: Creates detailed crash analysis
• Medical Experts: Establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational Experts: Calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic Experts: Determine present value of all damages
• Life Care Planners: Develop comprehensive care plans
• FMCSA Regulation Experts: Identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Hewitt-Specific Trucking Accident Scenarios

1. I-35 Corridor Accidents

Common Accident Types:

• Rear-end collisions from sudden traffic slowdowns
• Lane change accidents in heavy traffic
• Underride collisions at highway exits
• Rollover accidents on curved sections
• Multi-vehicle pileups from poor visibility

Hewitt-Specific Risks:

• Traffic congestion near Waco and Temple
• Sudden weather changes affecting road conditions
• Agricultural traffic merging onto highway
• Driver fatigue from long hauls between major cities

2. US