18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Tatum, TX | Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texans are devastated by 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Tatum, TX, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of commercial vehicle litigation. At Attorney911, we fight for victims of catastrophic truck crashes across East Texas, including Rusk County, Gregg County, Panola County, and Harrison County.

With 25+ years of experience and $50+ million recovered for accident victims, our firm has the expertise to hold trucking companies accountable. We know the Tatum trucking corridors, the local courts, and the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different from Car Wrecks

An 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car—it’s a massive, complex machine governed by federal regulations, operated by professional drivers, and insured for millions of dollars. When a fully loaded truck weighing 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.

The Physics of a Truck Crash

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than the average car.
• At 65 mph, a truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• The force of impact in a truck accident is exponentially greater, leading to life-altering injuries or wrongful death.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tatum, TX

Tatum sits at the crossroads of major East Texas highways, including US-259 and SH-43, which see heavy truck traffic from oilfield operations, logging, and freight transport. Some of the most frequent causes of truck crashes in our area include:

If any of these factors contributed to your accident, the trucking company may be liable for your injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries from Tatum 18-Wheeler Accidents

Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents often result in permanent, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common—and devastating—injuries we see include:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, mood swings, seizures, coma
• Long-Term Effects: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for lifelong care
• Settlement Range: $1.5 million – $10 million+

“After my husband was hit by an 18-wheeler on US-259, he suffered a severe TBI. The trucking company tried to blame him, but Attorney911 fought for us and secured a $3.8 million settlement—enough to cover his medical care and lost wages.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

2. Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

• Types: Paraplegia (lower body), quadriplegia (all four limbs)
• Lifetime Costs: $2.5 million – $5 million+ (medical, rehabilitation, home modifications)
• Non-Economic Damages: Loss of mobility, chronic pain, emotional trauma

3. Amputations

• Causes: Crushing injuries, severe burns, or surgical necessity
• Prosthetics Cost: $5,000 – $50,000 per limb (replaced every 3-5 years)
• Settlement Range: $1.9 million – $8.6 million

4. Severe Burns

• Causes: Fuel tank ruptures, chemical spills, electrical fires
• Treatment: Multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, long-term pain management
• Settlement Range: $500,000 – $5 million+

5. Wrongful Death

• Who Can Sue: Surviving spouse, children, parents
• Damages Recoverable: Lost income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, punitive damages
• Settlement Range: $1 million – $10 million+

“We lost our son in a truck accident on SH-43. The driver had been on the road for 18 hours straight. Attorney911 helped us hold the trucking company accountable and secured a $2.5 million settlement for our family.”
— Family of Trucking Accident Victim, Tatum, TX

Who Is Liable in Your Tatum Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in an 18-wheeler crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

• Liability: Speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or reckless driving
• Evidence We Pursue: ELD logs, cell phone records, drug/alcohol tests, driving history

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

• Liability: Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules
• Evidence We Pursue: Driver Qualification Files, training records, dispatch logs, CSA scores

3. Cargo Loaders & Shippers

• Liability: Overloading, improper securement, failure to disclose hazardous materials
• Evidence We Pursue: Bill of lading, loading procedures, weight tickets

4. Maintenance Companies

• Liability: Negligent repairs, failure to inspect brakes/tires, using substandard parts
• Evidence We Pursue: Maintenance logs, mechanic certifications, parts invoices

5. Truck & Parts Manufacturers

• Liability: Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or underride guards
• Evidence We Pursue: Recall notices, expert analysis of failed components

6. Freight Brokers

• Liability: Hiring unsafe carriers with poor safety records
• Evidence We Pursue: Broker-carrier agreements, safety compliance history

7. Government Entities (Rare but Possible)

• Liability: Poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways
• Evidence We Pursue: Prior accident reports, road maintenance records

Our firm has experience suing all these parties—and winning.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Is Critical

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of a crash. If you don’t act quickly, critical proof will be lost forever.

What Evidence Must Be Preserved?

What We Do in the First 48 Hours

1. Send Spoliation Letters – Legal demand to preserve all evidence (ECM, ELD, maintenance logs, etc.)
2. Subpoena Electronic Data – Secure ECM/black box downloads before they’re overwritten
3. Obtain Police Reports – Get the official accident report from the Tatum Police Department or Texas DPS
4. Photograph the Scene – Document skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle damage
5. Interview Witnesses – Collect statements before memories fade
6. Preserve the Truck – Prevent repairs until our experts inspect it
7. Demand Drug/Alcohol Tests – Results must be obtained within hours of the crash

“The trucking company’s insurance adjuster called me the day after my accident, offering a quick settlement. I almost took it—until I called Attorney911. They sent a spoliation letter within 24 hours, preserved the black box data, and proved the driver had been on the road for 16 hours straight. The final settlement was 10 times the first offer.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Tatum, TX, call us NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911. Every hour counts.

FMCSA Violations: The Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the fastest way to establish liability and win your case.

Most Common FMCSA Violations in Tatum Trucking Accidents

Our firm has a former insurance defense attorney on staff—Lupe Peña—who knows exactly how trucking companies try to hide these violations. We use that insider knowledge to build your case.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Tatum, TX

Tatum’s highways see a mix of oilfield trucks, logging trucks, and long-haul freight carriers. Each type of accident requires a different legal strategy.

1. Jackknife Accidents

• What Happens: The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.
• Common Causes: Sudden braking, wet/icy roads, empty trailers (more prone to swing)
• Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups, crushing injuries, wrongful death
• Evidence Needed: Skid mark analysis, brake inspection records, ELD data

2. Underride Collisions

• What Happens: A car slides under the trailer, shearing off the roof.
• Types:
  • Rear Underride (struck from behind)
  • Side Underride (struck during lane changes or turns)
• Why They’re Deadly: Trailer height often decapitates or crushes occupants.
• FMCSA Requirement: Rear impact guards must prevent underride at 30 mph (49 CFR § 393.86)
• No Federal Requirement for Side Guards (advocacy ongoing)

Case Example: In a 2024 Texas case, a family won a $90 million verdict after an underride collision killed their loved ones. The trucking company had failed to maintain its rear impact guard.

3. Rollover Accidents

• What Happens: The truck tips onto its side, often spilling cargo.
• Common Causes: Speeding on curves (like SH-43 near Tatum), top-heavy loads, sudden swerves
• Injuries: Crushing injuries, cargo spills, multi-vehicle crashes
• Evidence Needed: Cargo securement records, speed data from ECM

4. Rear-End Collisions

• What Happens: A truck fails to stop in time, crushing the vehicle in front.
• Common Causes: Following too closely, brake failure, distracted driving
• Injuries: Whiplash, spinal injuries, TBI, wrongful death
• Evidence Needed: ECM data showing following distance, brake application timing

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

• What Happens: A truck swings wide (often left) before turning right, trapping vehicles in the blind spot.
• Common Locations: Intersections in Tatum (e.g., US-259 & SH-43)
• Injuries: Crushing injuries, pedestrian fatalities, cyclist deaths

6. Tire Blowout Accidents

• What Happens: A tire fails, causing the driver to lose control.
• Common Causes: Underinflation, overloading, worn treads
• Injuries: Rollovers, debris striking other vehicles, multi-vehicle pileups
• Evidence Needed: Tire maintenance records, weight tickets

7. Brake Failure Accidents

• What Happens: The truck can’t stop, leading to rear-end or intersection crashes.
• Common Causes: Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, overheating
• Injuries: Catastrophic impact injuries, wrongful death
• Evidence Needed: Brake inspection records, ECM data showing brake application

8. Cargo Spill Accidents

• What Happens: Improperly secured cargo falls onto the roadway.
• Types of Cargo: Logs, steel coils, hazardous materials, livestock
• Injuries: Debris striking vehicles, chemical exposure, multi-vehicle crashes
• Evidence Needed: Loading records, tiedown specifications

9. Head-On Collisions

• What Happens: A truck crosses into oncoming traffic.
• Common Causes: Fatigue, distraction, wrong-way entry, medical emergency
• Injuries: Nearly always fatal or catastrophic
• Evidence Needed: ELD data showing HOS violations, cell phone records

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Tatum, TX

If you’ve been in a truck accident, what you do in the first 48 hours can make or break your case.

Step 1: Call 911 & Get Medical Help

• Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms immediately.
• Tatum Medical Facilities:
  • UT Health East Texas – Henderson (30 min from Tatum)
  • Longview Regional Medical Center (40 min from Tatum)
  • CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview

Step 2: Document the Scene

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals
  • The truck’s DOT number (on the door)
  • The trucking company’s name and logo
  • Your injuries
• Get witness contact info (names, phone numbers)

Step 3: Do NOT Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.
• They will ask for a recorded statement—DON’T GIVE ONE.
• They will offer a quick settlement—DON’T ACCEPT IT.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows every trick they’ll use against you—and how to counter them.

Step 4: Call Attorney911 Immediately

• We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve evidence.
• We subpoena black box data before it’s overwritten.
• We handle all communication with the insurance company.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The clock is ticking.

How Much Is Your Tatum Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Trucking accident settlements are far higher than car accident claims because:

• Trucking companies carry $750,000 – $5 million in insurance (vs. $30,000 for cars).
• Injuries are more severe, leading to higher medical costs and pain/suffering damages.
• Multiple liable parties mean multiple insurance policies.

Settlement Ranges for Trucking Accidents in Texas

What Affects Your Settlement Amount?

✅ Severity of Injuries – More serious injuries = higher settlements.
✅ Medical Expenses – Past, present, and future treatment costs.
✅ Lost Wages & Earning Capacity – If you can’t work or must change careers.
✅ Pain & Suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life.
✅ Degree of Negligence – If the trucking company acted recklessly (e.g., falsifying logs, hiring unqualified drivers).
✅ Available Insurance – Trucking companies carry millions in coverage.
✅ Evidence Strength – Black box data, witness statements, and FMCSA violations increase case value.

Case Example: A Tatum oilfield worker was hit by a fatigued truck driver on US-259. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and could no longer work. Attorney911 secured a $3.8 million settlement—covering his medical bills, lost wages, and future care.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Tatum Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

• Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been handling trucking accident cases since 1998.
• We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims across Texas.
• We’re admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us federal court access for interstate trucking cases.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

• Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm.
• He knows exactly how trucking companies and insurers try to minimize claims.
• Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims—not against them.

3. We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

• Many firms won’t touch complex trucking cases with disputed liability.
• We investigate every case thoroughly and take on tough fights.
• If we believe in your case, we’ll fight for you—no matter how difficult.

“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

4. We Treat You Like Family

• You’re not just a case number—you’re our client, our neighbor, our family.
• We answer your calls 24/7 and keep you updated every step of the way.
• Our staff (including Leonor and Crystal) are praised for their compassion and responsiveness.

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

5. No Fee Unless We Win

• You pay nothing upfront.
• No hourly fees.
• We advance all case costs (investigation, experts, court fees).
• Our fee comes from the settlement—only if we win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tatum Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

• Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
• Wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident.
• But don’t wait! Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

2. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

• Even if the driver owns their truck, the trucking company may still be liable under:
  • Negligent hiring (failing to check their safety record)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor their driving)
  • Vicarious liability (if they were acting as an agent of the company)

3. Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

• Texas follows modified comparative negligence.
• You can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you were 20% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you can recover $800,000.

4. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

• Most trucking companies carry insurance—even if they go out of business.
• We identify all available insurance policies (motor carrier, trailer, cargo, excess coverage).
• If the company is truly insolvent, we explore other liable parties (maintenance companies, brokers, manufacturers).

5. How long will my case take to resolve?

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with severe injuries: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

6. Will my case go to trial?

• 95% of cases settle before trial.
• However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—this gives us leverage in negotiations.
• Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

7. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers a quick settlement?

• First offers are ALWAYS lowball.
• Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
• Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney first.

8. How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident lawyer?

• We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
• Our fee is 33.33% if the case settles before trial, 40% if it goes to trial.
• We advance all case costs (investigation, experts, court fees).

9. What if I don’t have health insurance?

• We can connect you with attorney-approved doctors who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP).
• This means they wait for payment until your case settles.

10. Can I handle my trucking accident case without a lawyer?

• Technically yes—but you’ll almost certainly get less money.
• Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working against you.
• Studies show that accident victims with lawyers recover 3.5x more than those without.

Tatum, TX Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most

Tatum is located in Rusk County, near the intersection of US-259 and SH-43, two major highways that see heavy truck traffic. Some of the most dangerous trucking corridors in our area include:

1. US-259 (North-South Corridor)

• Truck Traffic: Oilfield equipment, logging trucks, freight carriers
• Dangerous Stretches:
  • US-259 & SH-43 (Tatum) – High-speed intersection with frequent wide-turn accidents
  • US-259 near Henderson – Narrow shoulders, high-speed truck traffic
  • US-259 near Longview – Merging lanes, sudden stops for traffic lights

2. SH-43 (East-West Corridor)

• Truck Traffic: Oilfield trucks, agricultural freight, long-haul carriers
• Dangerous Stretches:
  • SH-43 & US-259 (Tatum) – Blind spots, wide turns, high-speed collisions
  • SH-43 near Carthage – Rolling hills, limited visibility
  • SH-43 near Marshall – Heavy truck traffic from I-20

3. I-20 (Nearby Freight Corridor)

• Truck Traffic: Transcontinental freight, oilfield equipment
• Dangerous Stretches:
  • I-20 & US-259 (Longview) – High-speed merges, sudden stops
  • I-20 near Kilgore – Oilfield truck traffic, fatigue-related crashes

4. Oilfield Roads (Rusk & Panola Counties)

• Truck Traffic: Water haulers, sand trucks, drilling rigs
• Dangerous Conditions:
  • Unpaved roads – Dust, mud, poor visibility
  • Overweight loads – Increased risk of rollovers and brake failures
  • Driver fatigue – Long hours, overnight shifts

If your accident happened on any of these roads, we know the local conditions and how to build your case.

Hablamos Español: Legal Help for Tatum’s Hispanic Community

At Attorney911, we understand that many truck drivers and accident victims in Tatum, TX, speak Spanish as their first 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

Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita en español.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tatum, TX, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building its defense.

We answer calls 24/7. We fight for maximum compensation. We treat you like family.

What You Get When You Call:

✅ Free, no-obligation consultation
✅ Immediate evidence preservation (spoliation letters sent within 24 hours)
✅ Direct access to attorneys (not just case managers)
✅ No upfront costs (you pay nothing unless we win)
✅ Spanish-language services (Lupe Peña habla español)

Don’t wait. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Tatum, TX Trucking Accident Lawyers – Fighting for Justice

At Attorney911, we believe that no one should suffer because a trucking company cut corners. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Tatum, Rusk County, or East Texas, we’re here to fight for you.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Your fight is our fight.