18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Point: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Point, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, life-altering disabilities, or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges that City of Point residents face when dealing with these devastating crashes.

Why City of Point Trucking Accidents Are Different

City of Point sits in a region where major transportation routes intersect, creating a perfect storm for trucking accidents. The highways serving our community see heavy commercial traffic from distribution centers, agricultural operations, and regional transit hubs. Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes in City of Point often involve:

• Multiple liable parties – from the driver to the trucking company, cargo loaders, and even manufacturers
• Federal regulations – FMCSA rules that most local attorneys don’t fully understand
• Massive insurance policies – $750,000 to $5 million in coverage that requires specialized legal strategies
• Rapid evidence destruction – black box data that can be overwritten within 30 days
• Complex injury patterns – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations that require lifelong care

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims throughout Texas. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from City of Point when you need us most.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in City of Point

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and City of Point sees more than its share. The most dangerous types of trucking accidents we handle include:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These often occur on City of Point’s highways when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads or take curves too fast. The trailer can sweep across lanes, striking multiple vehicles and causing catastrophic pileups.

Underride Collisions

Among the most deadly trucking accidents, underride crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing decapitation or severe head and neck trauma. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, many trucks in City of Point still lack proper protection, and side underride guards aren’t even required by law.

Rollover Accidents

With their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are prone to rollovers, especially on curves or when cargo shifts. These accidents frequently spill cargo across the highway, creating hazards for other vehicles. On City of Point’s rural roads, rollovers can block entire highways for hours, delaying emergency response.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than a passenger car. At highway speeds, these trucks require nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react in time, the resulting rear-end collisions often cause catastrophic injuries to occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left before making a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that other drivers may try to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it can crush vehicles caught in this “squeeze play.” These accidents are particularly common at City of Point intersections where trucks make deliveries to local businesses.

Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides, particularly on the right side where the No-Zone extends the length of the trailer. When truck drivers change lanes without properly checking these blind spots, they can sideswipe or force other vehicles off the road. These accidents frequently occur on City of Point’s highways where trucks merge or change lanes.

Tire Blowout Accidents

With 18 tires on a typical rig, blowouts are a constant risk. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver can lose control immediately. Blowouts often occur in City of Point’s summer heat when tires overheat, or when maintenance is neglected. The debris from a blown tire can also strike following vehicles, causing additional accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. Poor maintenance, worn brake pads, or improper adjustments can lead to complete brake failure. On City of Point’s roads with elevation changes, brake failure can be particularly dangerous as trucks gain speed on downhill grades.

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit or fall from the truck entirely. Spilled cargo creates road hazards that can cause other vehicles to crash. In City of Point, agricultural products, construction materials, and other heavy loads are particularly prone to spilling when not properly secured.

Common Causes of City of Point Trucking Accidents

Our experience handling City of Point trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue

The FMCSA limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour on-duty window. Despite these regulations, we frequently see drivers in City of Point pushing beyond these limits due to pressure from trucking companies. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving, with similar impairment to reaction times and decision-making.

Hours of Service Violations

ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) were supposed to eliminate false logbooks, but we still find violations in City of Point cases. Some drivers maintain two sets of logs – one for the company and one for inspections. Others falsify their records to appear compliant while driving excessive hours. These violations are a goldmine for proving negligence in your case.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions on hand-held phone use, we see drivers in City of Point texting, using GPS, or communicating with dispatch while driving. Even hands-free devices create cognitive distraction. Dashcam footage and cell phone records often reveal these violations in our cases.

Impaired Driving

While less common than in passenger vehicles, we occasionally encounter truck drivers in City of Point operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some use stimulants to stay awake, while others may be under the influence of prescription medications. Drug and alcohol testing is required after accidents, and we always pursue these records.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to speeding and aggressive driving. On City of Point’s highways, we see drivers exceeding speed limits, following too closely, and making unsafe lane changes. ECM data often reveals these violations.

Inadequate Training

Many City of Point trucking companies cut corners on driver training to save costs. We’ve seen cases where drivers received minimal training before being put behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound rig. Inadequate training in areas like cargo securement, mountain driving, and emergency maneuvers contributes to many accidents.

Poor Maintenance

Trucking companies in City of Point often defer maintenance to save money. We frequently find records showing known issues with brakes, tires, lighting, and other critical systems that were never repaired. Maintenance records are a key piece of evidence in our cases.

Improper Loading

Cargo must be properly secured and distributed to maintain vehicle stability. We’ve handled cases in City of Point where improperly loaded trucks became unstable, leading to rollovers or cargo spills. The loading company and trucking company can both be held liable for these failures.

Defective Equipment

Manufacturing defects in trucks, trailers, or components can cause accidents. We work with experts to determine if defects in brakes, tires, steering systems, or other components contributed to your accident. Product liability claims can add another layer of compensation.

Who Is Liable for Your City of Point Trucking Accident?

One of the most complex aspects of trucking accident cases is determining all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents in City of Point often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for negligent acts like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. Even if the driver is an employee, they can be named in the lawsuit.

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier is often the primary target because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:

• Vicarious liability – responsible for their employees’ actions
• Negligent hiring – hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
• Negligent training – inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent maintenance – poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo can be liable if they:

• Provided improper loading instructions
• Failed to disclose hazardous cargo
• Required overweight loading
• Pressured the carrier to meet unsafe deadlines

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failure to train loaders properly

The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers can be liable for:

• Design defects in the truck or trailer
• Manufacturing defects in components
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) can be liable for defective products that fail and cause accidents.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

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

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

Government Entities

In rare cases, government entities may share liability for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

Our investigation process in City of Point cases involves identifying every potentially liable party and pursuing all available insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach maximizes your potential recovery.

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In City of Point trucking accident cases, evidence 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.

Why 48 Hours Matters

Our Spoliation Letter Protocol

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• All potentially liable parties

This legal notice demands preservation of ALL evidence related to the accident, including:

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

The Power of ECM/Black Box Data

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that continuously record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data is often the key to proving negligence in City of Point trucking cases.

Critical Data Points We Extract:

• Speed Before Crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake Application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
• Throttle Position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following Distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Hours of Service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS Location: Confirms route and timing
• Fault Codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

This objective data often directly contradicts what drivers claim happened. In one City of Point case, ECM data showed the driver was traveling 15 mph over the speed limit despite claiming he was going the speed limit. This evidence was crucial in securing a multi-million dollar settlement.

Catastrophic Injuries in City of Point Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in City of Point cases. The massive size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles means that even moderate-speed collisions can result in life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. In City of Point trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

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
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or must be surgically removed due to severe damage.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, electrical fires, or friction burns from road contact.

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, amputation may be required)

Internal Organ Damage

The forces in City of Point trucking accidents frequently cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.

Common Internal Injuries:

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

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents in City of Point claim lives, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims.

Damages Available in Texas:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Texas Trucking Accident Laws That Affect Your Case

City of Point follows Texas state laws that govern trucking accident cases. Understanding these laws is crucial to protecting your rights:

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it means losing your right to compensation forever. However, you should never wait this long – evidence disappears quickly, and your case will be much stronger if you contact us immediately.

Comparative Negligence

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

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault in a $1 million case, you would recover $800,000. This makes it crucial to have an attorney who can minimize your attributed fault.

Damage Caps

Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases, meaning you can recover the full value of your economic and non-economic damages. However, there are caps on punitive damages:

• Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000

Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers in City of Point carry $1-5 million or more in coverage, which means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated – unlike car accidents where coverage may be limited to $30,000.

How We Investigate City of Point Trucking Accidents

Our comprehensive investigation process is designed to uncover every piece of evidence and build the strongest possible 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 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 for catastrophic injuries
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
• 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)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Point Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident in City of Point, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specialized expertise, proven results, and a track record of holding trucking companies accountable.

Our Unique Advantages

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our firm has handled cases against major carriers including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know how these companies operate and how to beat them.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

3. Federal Court Experience
We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – essential for interstate trucking cases. Many local attorneys don’t have federal court experience, which limits their ability to handle complex trucking litigation.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims, 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
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

5. 4.9-Star Client Satisfaction
With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients consistently praise our:

• Personal attention and family-like treatment
• Aggressive representation and maximum settlements
• Fast resolution of cases
• Spanish-language services
• Direct access to attorneys

6. Local Knowledge of City of Point
We understand City of Point’s trucking corridors, local courts, and regional accident patterns. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

7. 24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. We answer calls immediately and can respond to emergencies at any time.

8. No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation and litigation costs.

Client Testimonials

“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

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
— Jacqueline Johnson, Attorney911 Client

What Your City of Point Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on numerous factors, but our experience handling Texas trucking cases gives us insight into typical ranges:

Catastrophic Injuries

Serious Injuries

Moderate Injuries

Factors That Increase Case Value

• Clear liability – The trucking company is obviously at fault
• Severe injuries – Catastrophic injuries that require lifelong care
• High medical expenses – Extensive treatment and future care needs
• Significant lost income – High earning capacity affected by injuries
• Permanent disability – Inability to return to work or previous lifestyle
• Gross negligence – Evidence of reckless or intentional misconduct
• Multiple liable parties – More defendants means more insurance coverage
• Strong evidence – ECM data, ELD records, dashcam footage
• Sympathetic plaintiff – Juries favor innocent victims
• Deep pockets – Defendants with substantial insurance or assets

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in City of Point

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in City of Point, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 Immediately

Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out – adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not be immediately apparent.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Go to the hospital or urgent care immediately. Delaying treatment:

• Jeopardizes your health
• Creates gaps in medical records that insurance companies exploit
• Weakens your legal case

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, gather evidence at the scene:

• Take photos of all vehicle damage (inside and out)
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
• Take pictures of your injuries
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Note weather and lighting conditions

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will call quickly, often while you’re still in the hospital. They work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve:

• Black box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD records (may be retained only 6 months)
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within days)
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files

6. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations. Insurance companies use gaps in treatment to argue that you’re not really injured.

7. Keep a Pain Journal

Document your symptoms, pain levels, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This creates valuable evidence for your claim.

8. Don’t Post on Social Media

Insurance companies will monitor your social media accounts and use anything they find against you. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted.

Common Questions About City of Point Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in City of Point?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, so time is critical.

Should I go to the hospital 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. Getting checked out protects both your health and your legal case.

What information should I collect at the accident scene?

Document everything: truck and trailer license plates, DOT number, trucking company name, driver’s name and CDL number, photos of all vehicle damage, photos of the scene and road conditions, witness names and contact information, and weather conditions.

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.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send preservation letters immediately to protect this evidence.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in City of Point?

Multiple parties may be liable: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner (if different from carrier), and even government entities in some cases.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

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

Texas uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data including speed, brake application, throttle position, and hours of service. This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and is crucial evidence in your case.

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 federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

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, and the physical truck and trailer.

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, or even enter default judgment in extreme cases.

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate: 11 hours driving after 10 hours off, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break after 8 hours driving, and 60/70 hour weekly limits. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find: hours of service violations, false log entries, brake system deficiencies, cargo securement failures, drug and alcohol violations, unqualified drivers, and failure to inspect vehicles.

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, and training documentation. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

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.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in City of Point?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and degree of defendant’s negligence. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary: simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months, complex cases with multiple parties may take 1-3 years, and cases that go to trial can take 2-4 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

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.

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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum and large equipment, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

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, and excess/umbrella coverage. We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Point, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing as you read this. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our City of Point trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.

Remember:

• We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
• We advance all case costs
• We have 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
• We include a former insurance defense attorney on our team
• We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
• We’re never far from City of Point with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 now and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | https://attorney911.com