18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Richland: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of families in Texas face life-changing consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident in Town of Richland, you need an attorney who understands both the federal regulations governing commercial vehicles and the specific challenges of navigating Navarro County’s legal landscape.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts to every case we handle. When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic truck crash, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Why Town of Richland Trucking Accidents Are Different

Town of Richland sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s transportation network. The area’s mix of rural highways and growing commercial corridors creates unique risks for drivers. Many of the trucking accidents we see in Town of Richland involve:

Long-haul trucks traveling through Navarro County on their way to Dallas, Houston, or other major hubs
Local distribution trucks serving growing businesses in the area
Agricultural trucks transporting crops and livestock
Oilfield equipment and hazardous materials shipments

The trucking corridors serving Town of Richland see heavy commercial traffic, with many drivers pushing the limits of federal hours-of-service regulations to meet tight delivery deadlines. This combination of factors makes Town of Richland drivers particularly vulnerable to catastrophic trucking accidents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Richland

Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer on Town of Richland Highways

Fatigue plays a role in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes nationwide, and Town of Richland’s position along major freight routes makes this a particularly pressing concern. Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
A maximum 14-hour on-duty window
Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Despite these regulations, we frequently see drivers in Town of Richland violating these rules due to pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. When we investigate these cases, we often find:

Falsified electronic logging device (ELD) records
Drivers working second jobs during their mandatory rest periods
Trucking companies encouraging drivers to “push through” fatigue
Dispatchers scheduling deliveries that require HOS violations

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours straight. That’s illegal. And now my client is paying the price with permanent spinal cord injuries.” — Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Distracted Driving: A Growing Threat in Navarro County

With the increasing use of in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major factor in Town of Richland trucking accidents. Federal regulations specifically prohibit:

Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
Texting while driving
Reaching for devices in a manner that requires leaving the seated position

Despite these prohibitions, we frequently encounter cases where truck drivers were distracted by:

Dispatch communications through Qualcomm or other messaging systems
GPS devices and route planning
Personal cell phone use
Eating or drinking while driving
In-cab entertainment systems

Improper Maintenance: When Profit Comes Before Safety

Trucking companies are required by federal law to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. However, in our experience, many carriers operating in Town of Richland cut corners on maintenance to save money. Common maintenance failures we see include:

Worn brakes that fail to stop the vehicle in time
Bald tires that blow out on the highway
Faulty lighting that makes trucks invisible at night
Steering system failures
Suspension problems that affect vehicle stability

“In one case, we proved that the trucking company knew about a critical brake defect but sent the truck out anyway to avoid missing a delivery deadline. That decision cost our client his leg.” — Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney

Improper Loading: The Hidden Danger in Town of Richland Trucks

Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations we find in Town of Richland trucking cases. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

Shift during transit, causing the truck to roll over
Fall from the truck, creating road hazards
Overload the truck beyond its weight capacity
Create instability that makes the truck difficult to control

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:

0.8 g deceleration in the forward direction
0.5 g acceleration in the rearward direction
0.5 g acceleration in the lateral direction

We frequently see violations of these requirements in Town of Richland, particularly with agricultural loads, construction equipment, and oilfield shipments.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Town of Richland 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 – 20-25 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. This massive weight disparity means that when an 18-wheeler collides with a car, the results are often devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Invisible Epidemic

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Town of Richland trucking accidents. These injuries occur when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces involved in a collision. Symptoms can include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and personality shifts
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
Speech difficulties
Permanent cognitive impairment

“We had a client who was a straight-A student before a truck accident. Afterward, he couldn’t remember how to do simple math. That’s the reality of TBI.” — Ralph Manginello

Spinal Cord Injuries: Life-Altering Consequences

Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent paralysis. The level of the injury determines the extent of paralysis:

Cervical injuries (neck): Can result in quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
Thoracic injuries (upper back): Can result in paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body)
Lumbar injuries (lower back): Can affect leg function but preserve arm function

Many of our clients with spinal cord injuries require:

Wheelchairs and other mobility devices
Home modifications (ramps, widened doorways)
24/7 personal care assistance
Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation

Amputations: When Limbs Can’t Be Saved

Amputations occur in trucking accidents when:

Limbs are severed in the initial impact
Crush injuries are so severe that amputation is medically necessary
Infections develop that require surgical removal
Burns are so severe that limbs cannot be saved

The lifetime costs of amputation can exceed $1 million, including:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs (which need to be replaced every few years)
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home modifications
Lost earning capacity

Severe Burns: The Agony of Fire and Chemical Exposure

Burns are particularly common in Town of Richland trucking accidents involving:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazardous materials spills
Electrical fires from damaged wiring
Friction burns from road contact

Burn injuries often require:

Multiple skin graft surgeries
Long-term wound care
Physical therapy to maintain mobility
Psychological counseling for trauma and disfigurement
Ongoing pain management

Wrongful Death: When Families Lose Everything

When a trucking accident claims a life, the emotional and financial toll on families is immeasurable. Town of Richland families who lose a loved one in a trucking accident may be entitled to compensation for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

The Unique Challenges of Town of Richland Trucking Cases

Preserving Evidence Before It Disappears

One of the biggest challenges in Town of Richland trucking cases is preserving evidence before it’s destroyed. Critical evidence like:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) data
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
Dashcam footage
Surveillance video from nearby businesses
Maintenance records

can be overwritten or deleted within days or weeks of an accident. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

“Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Trucking companies know this. That’s why we move fast to preserve evidence before it disappears.” — Lupe Peña

Dealing with Multiple Liable Parties

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

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
Government entities (for road defects)

Each of these parties may have separate insurance policies, and identifying all available coverage is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

Navigating Texas’s Modified Comparative Negligence System

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

This makes it crucial to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Town of Richland

Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights

Call 911 and report the accident
- Request police and emergency medical services
- Navarro County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS respond to accidents on rural roads
Seek medical attention immediately
- Even if you feel fine, many injuries don’t show symptoms right away
- Navarro Regional Hospital and other local facilities can document your injuries
Document the scene if you’re able
- Take photos of all vehicles involved
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and any skid marks
- Get the truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company information
- Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
- Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
- Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
Contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately
- Critical evidence can disappear within days
- We can send preservation letters to protect evidence

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Call an Attorney

Every day you wait, evidence in your Town of Richland trucking accident case is disappearing:

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance video from nearby businesses is typically overwritten within 30 days
Witness memories fade
Physical evidence can be repaired or disposed of

At Attorney911, we move quickly to:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Obtain ECM and ELD data before it’s overwritten
Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved

How We Build Your Town of Richland Trucking Accident 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’re 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 specialist creates 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 (this creates leverage in negotiations)

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Town of Richland

Jackknife Accidents: When Trailers Swing Out of Control

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents are particularly common in Town of Richland due to:

Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
Speeding on curves
Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
Improperly loaded cargo
Brake failures

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Trucking Accident

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. These accidents are often fatal because the trailer height can shear off the top of the smaller vehicle.

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

Federal law requires rear underride guards on trailers, but there is currently no federal requirement for side underride guards.

“We’ve seen cases where families lost loved ones because a truck didn’t have proper underride guards. These are preventable tragedies.” — Ralph Manginello

Rollover Accidents: When Trucks Tip Over

Rollover accidents occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. These accidents are particularly dangerous because:

They often involve multiple vehicles
Cargo can spill onto the roadway
The truck can block multiple lanes of traffic

Common causes in Town of Richland include:

Speeding on curves or ramps
Improperly secured cargo
Liquid cargo that shifts during transit
Overcorrection after a tire blowout

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone” Danger

Commercial trucks have four major blind spots (No-Zones):

Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – much larger than left side

Many Town of Richland trucking accidents occur when drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.

Tire Blowouts: When Rubber Meets the Road

Tire blowouts are a significant hazard in Town of Richland due to:

Long stretches of highway with extreme temperature variations
Heavy agricultural and oilfield equipment loads
Poor maintenance practices by some carriers

Federal regulations require:

Minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires
Minimum tread depth of 2/32″ on other positions
Regular tire inspections as part of pre-trip checks

Brake Failures: When Stopping Power Disappears

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common brake issues we see in Town of Richland include:

Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
Improper brake adjustment
Air brake system leaks or failures
Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
Contaminated brake fluid

Cargo Spills: When Loads Become Road Hazards

Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations we find in Town of Richland cases. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

Shift during transit, causing rollovers
Fall from the truck, creating road hazards
Overload the truck beyond its weight capacity
Create instability that makes the truck difficult to control

The Trucking Companies We’ve Taken On in Town of Richland

At Attorney911, we’ve built our reputation by taking on the toughest cases against major trucking companies. Our experience includes litigation against:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Various commercial trucking companies operating in Navarro County

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate and how to counter their tactics.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Town of Richland Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:

Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Complex litigation against major corporations
Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies value claims
How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
What makes them settle
How they deny claims
The claims valuation software they use

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.” — Ralph Manginello

Proven Track Record of Results

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to recover substantial compensation for our clients:

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

24/7 Availability for Trucking Accident Emergencies

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency. When you call Attorney911, you’ll speak directly with an attorney who can take immediate action to protect your rights.

No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

We work on a contingency fee basis – 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.

Town of Richland Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Richland?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Town of Richland, 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

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Richland?

Multiple parties may be liable in Town of Richland 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.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Town of Richland?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Town of Richland trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

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. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Engine RPM and throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

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

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

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.

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.

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.

Town of Richland Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Town of Richland sits at the intersection of several major transportation routes that see heavy commercial truck traffic:

Interstate 45: Connects Dallas to Houston, passing through Corsicana and other Navarro County communities
US Highway 287: Major north-south route through Navarro County
State Highway 31: East-west route serving local distribution needs
Farm-to-Market Roads: Numerous FM roads serving agricultural and oilfield traffic

These corridors see a mix of:

Long-haul trucks traveling between major hubs
Local distribution trucks serving Town of Richland businesses
Agricultural trucks transporting crops and livestock
Oilfield equipment and hazardous materials shipments

The combination of high-speed interstate traffic and slower local traffic creates unique risks for Town of Richland drivers.

The Town of Richland Trucking Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Richland, you need an attorney who:

Understands federal trucking regulations
Knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears
Has experience taking on major trucking companies
Can navigate Texas’s comparative negligence system
Will fight for maximum compensation

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in Town of Richland and across Texas for over 25 years. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. We have the resources, experience, and determination to take on the toughest cases.

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.” — Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster push you around. Don’t wait while critical evidence disappears. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Town of Richland trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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