18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Mills County, Texas | Attorney911
When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant
Every year, thousands of Texas families experience the devastating impact of 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Mills County, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our local roads.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Mills County and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When disaster strikes on US-84, US-183, or any of Mills County’s highways, you need a legal team that knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Why Mills County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Mills County’s trucking corridors present unique challenges for drivers and accident victims alike. From the agricultural freight moving through Goldthwaite to the oilfield equipment traveling our highways, our roads see a constant flow of commercial traffic that requires specialized legal knowledge.
We know Mills County’s trucking patterns, from the grain haulers serving local farms to the oilfield service trucks supporting our energy industry. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.
The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When these massive vehicles collide with cars, the results are often life-altering:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
These aren’t just statistics – they’re real people from Mills County whose lives have been forever changed by trucking accidents. We’ve seen firsthand how these injuries affect families in Goldthwaite, Mullin, Priddy, and across our county.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mills County
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers in Mills County often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue, but many drivers and companies ignore these rules:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour On-Duty Window: 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: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
We’ve seen cases where drivers falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide violations. When fatigue leads to accidents on US-84 or other Mills County highways, we hold both the driver and the trucking company accountable.
Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures
Mills County’s rural roads can be tough on commercial vehicles. Poor maintenance leads to preventable accidents:
- Brake failures (responsible for 29% of truck accidents)
- Tire blowouts (common in our summer heat)
- Lighting and visibility issues (critical on our rural highways)
- Cargo securement failures (especially with agricultural loads)
Trucking companies must maintain systematic inspection and maintenance programs. When they cut corners, we find the evidence in their records.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Despite federal prohibitions, we see cases involving:
- Cell phone use (texting or talking while driving)
- Dispatch communications (distraction from in-cab electronics)
- Drug and alcohol impairment (including prescription medications)
- In-cab distractions (eating, GPS programming, paperwork)
In Mills County, where long stretches of highway can lead to boredom and distraction, these violations are particularly dangerous.
Improper Loading and Overweight Trucks
Mills County’s agricultural and oilfield industries create unique loading challenges:
- Overweight trucks (exceeding 80,000 lb limit)
- Improperly secured loads (especially with agricultural products)
- Unbalanced cargo (increasing rollover risk)
- Hazardous material spills (from oilfield equipment)
When cargo shifts or spills on our highways, the results can be catastrophic for other drivers.
The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases
In Mills County 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.
Electronic Data That Proves Negligence
Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record crucial data:
- Engine Control Module (ECM)/Black Box: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Documents hours of service compliance
- GPS and Telematics: Shows real-time location and route history
- Dashcam Footage: Captures video of the accident and driver behavior
This data can prove:
- The driver was speeding before the crash
- Brakes were applied too late or not at all
- The driver was violating hours of service regulations
- The truck was being operated erratically
CRITICAL WARNING: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.
Driver and Company Records
We obtain and analyze:
- Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification, training records
- Hours of Service Records: ELD data showing driving time and rest periods
- Maintenance Records: Inspection reports, repair history, brake adjustment records
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing records
- Cell Phone Records: Proving distracted driving at the time of the accident
These records often reveal patterns of negligence that strengthen your case.
Physical Evidence
We preserve and analyze:
- The truck and trailer themselves
- Failed components (brakes, tires, steering parts)
- Cargo and securement devices
- Tire remnants (in blowout cases)
- Roadway evidence (skid marks, debris patterns)
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Mills County Trucking Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
- The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: For defective equipment
- Parts Manufacturer: For defective components (brakes, tires, etc.)
- Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs
- Freight Broker: For negligent carrier selection
- Truck Owner: If different from the carrier (owner-operator cases)
- Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions (rare in Mills County)
Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
The Devastating Injuries We See in Mills County Trucking Cases
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In Mills County trucking accidents, we see:
- Mild TBI (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, memory problems
- Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
- Severe TBI: Permanent impairment, coma, lifelong disability
Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million for severe TBI cases.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body:
- Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
- Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
- Incomplete Injuries: Some nerve function remains
Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million depending on severity.
Amputations
Crushing forces from truck impacts often result in:
- Traumatic amputations at the scene
- Surgical amputations due to severe damage
- Multiple surgeries and prosthetic limbs
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and cargo spills can cause:
- Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Multiple reconstructive surgeries
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents claim lives in Mills County, surviving family members can pursue:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
What Your Mills County Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth
Case values depend on several factors unique to Mills County:
- Severity of injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
- Medical expenses: Both past and future medical costs
- Lost income: Current lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Degree of negligence: Gross negligence can lead to punitive damages
- Insurance coverage: Trucking companies carry higher limits ($750,000 minimum)
Our experience with Mills County juries and Texas courts helps us accurately value your case. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
- $3.8+ million for an amputation case
- $2+ million for a maritime back injury case
- Millions for families in wrongful death cases
The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Mills County Families Choose Us
1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims. He spent years working for a national defense firm, learning their tactics from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. This includes:
- ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
- ELD records (required retention period is only 6 months)
- Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
- Maintenance records
- Driver qualification files
3. Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations
We know the federal trucking regulations inside and out. Common violations we find in Mills County cases include:
- Hours of service violations (driving too long without rest)
- False log entries (lying about driving time)
- Brake system deficiencies
- Cargo securement failures
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Unqualified drivers
4. Local Knowledge of Mills County
We understand Mills County’s trucking corridors, from US-84 to the county roads serving our agricultural and oilfield industries. This local knowledge helps us:
- Identify dangerous intersections and highway segments
- Understand local traffic patterns
- Work effectively with Mills County courts and officials
- Connect with local medical providers and experts
5. Proven Track Record of Results
With over 25 years of experience and $50+ million recovered for clients, we have the resources and expertise to take on even the largest trucking companies. Our results speak for themselves:
“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
6. Compassionate, Personalized Service
We treat every Mills County family like our own. Our clients consistently praise our communication and personal attention:
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client
“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
— Chavodrian Miles, Attorney911 Client
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Mills County
Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage
- The accident scene and road conditions
- Your injuries
- Skid marks and debris
- 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
- Avoid statements – Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
- Delaying medical treatment – This gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim
- Giving recorded statements – Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim
- Posting on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
- Accepting quick settlements – First offers are always lowball offers
- Waiting too long to contact an attorney – Evidence disappears quickly
The Legal Process for Your Mills County Trucking Case
1. Free Consultation
We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and explain your legal options.
2. Case Acceptance
If we take your case, we’ll begin immediate investigation.
3. Evidence Gathering
We’ll:
- Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- Obtain ECM/Black Box data
- Subpoena driver qualification files
- Obtain maintenance and inspection records
- Collect cell phone records
- Interview witnesses
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
4. Medical Care Facilitation
We’ll help you get the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.
5. Demand Letter
We’ll send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company calculating all your damages.
6. Negotiation
We’ll negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
7. Litigation (If Needed)
If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
8. Resolution
Most cases settle, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
Common Questions About Mills County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Mills County?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.
How much is my case worth?
Case values depend on many factors:
- Severity of your injuries
- Your medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims in Texas, and we’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Will my 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.
How long will my case take?
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.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We identify all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover compensation. Even if the primary company goes bankrupt, we may be able to recover from other defendants or their insurance companies.
Hablamos Español
At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Mills County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
The Mills County Trucking Corridors We Know Best
Mills County’s strategic location between major Texas highways creates unique trucking challenges:
- US-84: Major east-west corridor through Goldthwaite, serving as a connection between I-35 and West Texas
- US-183: North-south route through Mullin and Priddy, connecting to major highways
- County Roads: Serving our agricultural industry with grain haulers and livestock transporters
- Oilfield Service Roads: Supporting our local energy industry with heavy equipment transport
We understand the specific risks on each of these routes and how to build cases based on local conditions.
Common Trucking Accidents in Mills County
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes in Mills County include:
- Sudden braking on rural roads
- Speeding on curves
- Improperly loaded trailers
- Brake failures
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation. These are particularly deadly on Mills County’s rural highways where lighting may be limited.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs. Common in Mills County due to:
- Speeding on rural curves
- Improperly secured agricultural loads
- Top-heavy oilfield equipment
- Driver overcorrection
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require much longer stopping distances. Rear-end collisions often occur when:
- Trucks follow too closely
- Drivers are distracted
- Brakes fail
- Drivers are fatigued
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks need significant space to make turns, often swinging wide before turning right. These accidents commonly occur at intersections in Goldthwaite and other Mills County communities.
Tire Blowouts
Mills County’s summer heat and rural road conditions contribute to tire blowouts, which can cause loss of control and catastrophic accidents.
Why Evidence Disappears So Quickly in Mills County Trucking Cases
Trucking companies and their insurance teams begin protecting their interests immediately after an accident. Critical evidence can disappear within days:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD Records: May be retained for 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: Vehicles may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
This is why you must contact us immediately. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.
The Insurance Battle You’re Facing
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize your claim. Common tactics include:
- Quick Lowball Settlement Offers: Designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
- Denying or Minimizing Injuries: Arguing that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim
- Blaming You: Claiming you were partially or fully at fault
- Delaying the Process: Hoping you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration
- Using Recorded Statements Against You: Getting you to say things that hurt your case
- Claiming Pre-Existing Conditions: Arguing that your injuries existed before the accident
- Attacking Gaps in Treatment: Using any delay in treatment to argue your injuries aren’t serious
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all these tactics from the inside. We counter every strategy they use to minimize your claim.
The Nuclear Verdicts Changing Trucking Litigation
Recent years have seen unprecedented jury verdicts against trucking companies:
- $462 Million (2024, Missouri) – Underride accident case
- $160 Million (2024, Alabama) – Rollover accident left driver quadriplegic
- $141.5 Million (2023, Florida) – Defunct carrier case
- $730 Million (2021, Texas) – Oversize load case
- $150 Million (2022, Texas) – Wrongful death settlement
These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens our settlement negotiations.
How We Calculate Your Damages
We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium (for spouses)
Punitive Damages
Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
The Mills County Courts We Work With
While most cases settle out of court, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial in:
- Mills County Courthouse in Goldthwaite
- Texas District Courts serving our region
- Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) for interstate cases
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle federal trucking cases.
What Makes Attorney911 Different from Other Mills County Law Firms?
1. We’re Not Just Texas Attorneys – We’re Mills County Attorneys
We understand Mills County’s unique trucking challenges, from our agricultural industry to our oilfield operations. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for our clients.
2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
3. We Take Cases Other Firms Reject
“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
“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client
4. We Solve Cases Faster Than Our Competitors
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
5. We Treat You Like Family
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
The Mills County Families We’ve Helped
Our clients consistently praise our results and our compassion:
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker
“I got a very nice settlement.”
— MONGO SLADE
“Kiimarii Yup: 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.”
“Dame Haskett: Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
“Jamin Marroquin: Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise… tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”
Don’t Wait – Evidence Is Disappearing Right Now
Every hour you wait, critical evidence in your Mills County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.
Our Promise to Mills County Families
- Immediate Action: We’ll begin working on your case the same day you call
- Aggressive Representation: We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve
- Personal Attention: You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals
- No Upfront Costs: You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Maximum Compensation: We’ll pursue all liable parties to maximize your recovery
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mills County, don’t face this alone. The trucking company has a team of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need your own team fighting for you.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911
Or visit our website at https://attorney911.com
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911
Offices serving Mills County from Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Available 24/7 – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
Remember: Evidence disappears fast. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers get a head start on you. Call Attorney911 now.
