18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Miles, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Miles, you’re facing one of the most devastating experiences a Texas family can endure. The massive size difference between a fully loaded commercial truck and your passenger vehicle means catastrophic injuries are common – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death happen far too often on our Runnels County roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major trucking companies, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. We know City of Miles’s trucking corridors, we understand the unique challenges of Runnels County courts, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Miles Are Different

City of Miles sits at the intersection of several major trucking routes that serve West Texas. The area sees heavy commercial traffic from:

• Highway 67 – Connecting to Interstate 20 and serving as a key route for agricultural and oilfield equipment
• US 83 – Running north-south through Runnels County, carrying freight between Abilene and San Angelo
• FM 1750 – A critical local route for grain trucks and livestock transport
• The Ports-to-Plains Corridor – A major freight route that passes through our region

This truck traffic brings unique dangers to City of Miles residents. The long stretches of rural highway create fatigue risks for drivers, while the agricultural and oilfield equipment creates specialized trucking challenges. When accidents happen here, they often involve:

• Fatigued drivers pushing beyond FMCSA hours-of-service limits
• Overloaded or improperly secured agricultural loads
• Oilfield equipment with unique stability challenges
• Drivers unfamiliar with our local road conditions
• Trucks traveling at excessive speeds on rural highways

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Miles

Jackknife Accidents

These terrifying crashes occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On City of Miles’s rural highways, jackknifes frequently result from:

• Sudden braking on wet or gravel shoulders
• Taking curves too fast, especially with empty trailers
• Brake failures on long downhill stretches
• Improperly loaded cargo shifting during transit

Rollover Accidents

With our area’s agricultural and oilfield traffic, rollovers are a significant risk in City of Miles. These accidents often happen when:

• Top-heavy loads (like grain trucks or drilling rigs) take turns too fast
• Drivers overcorrect after running off the road
• Cargo shifts during transit, changing the truck’s center of gravity
• Tire blowouts cause sudden loss of control

Underride Collisions

These horrific crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. City of Miles sees these accidents at:

• Highway intersections where trucks make wide turns
• Rural road crossings where visibility is limited
• Areas with poor lighting or missing reflectors
• When trucks stop suddenly without proper warning

Rear-End Collisions

The long stopping distance required for 80,000-pound trucks makes rear-end collisions particularly dangerous in our area. These often occur when:

• Trucks follow too closely on Highway 67’s busy stretches
• Drivers are distracted by dispatch communications
• Fatigue slows reaction times
• Brake systems fail due to poor maintenance

Wide Turn Accidents

City of Miles’s agricultural traffic means many trucks need to make wide turns at rural intersections. These “squeeze play” accidents happen when:

• Trucks swing left before making a right turn
• Drivers fail to properly signal their intentions
• Passenger vehicles try to pass on the right
• Intersections have poor visibility or signage

The Devastating Injuries We See in City of Miles Truck Accidents

The physics of truck accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in City of Miles cases:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, dizziness, memory problems
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Variable loss of sensation and movement

Amputations

• Traumatic amputations at the accident scene
• Surgical amputations due to severe crush injuries
• Long-term prosthetic needs and rehabilitation

Severe Burns

• Fuel tank ruptures causing fires
• Chemical burns from hazardous cargo
• Electrical burns from damaged systems

Internal Organ Damage

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage requiring removal
• Lung contusions and pneumothorax

Wrongful Death

When trucking companies’ negligence takes a loved one, City of Miles families may recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses

Who’s Responsible for Your City of Miles Truck Accident?

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

The Truck Driver

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

• Vicarious liability for driver’s negligence
• Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
• Negligent training in safety procedures
• Negligent supervision of driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance of vehicles
• Negligent scheduling pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

Cargo Owners and Loaders

• Overloading trucks beyond weight limits
• Improperly securing cargo
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials
• Pressuring drivers to meet unsafe deadlines

Maintenance Companies

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

Manufacturers

• Defective brake systems
• Faulty tires prone to blowouts
• Defective steering components
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Freight Brokers

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Ignoring poor safety records

Government Entities

• Dangerous road designs
• Failure to maintain safe road conditions
• Inadequate signage or lighting

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in City of Miles Cases

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. In City of Miles, we act fast to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position
• ELD Records: Prove hours-of-service violations
• GPS Tracking: Documents route and speed history
• Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
• Dashcam Footage: Shows driver behavior before crash

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File (DQF)
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and drug test history
• Training records

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records

Company Records

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• 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

How We Prove Negligence in City of Miles Trucking Cases

FMCSA Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) set the standard for safe trucking operations. Common violations we find in City of Miles cases:

• Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR § 395):

  • Driving more than 11 hours after 10 off-duty
  • Driving beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • No 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
  • Exceeding 60/70 hour weekly limits

• Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR § 391):

  • Missing or incomplete Driver Qualification File
  • Hiring drivers with poor safety records
  • Allowing drivers to operate without valid CDL
  • No medical certification

• Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR § 396):

  • Failure to conduct required inspections
  • Ignoring known defects
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Improper brake adjustments

• Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393):

  • Inadequate tiedowns
  • Improper load distribution
  • Failure to use blocking or bracing
  • Overloaded vehicles

Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

Trucking companies in City of Miles can be directly liable for:

• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Failing to check previous employment
• Not verifying CDL status
• Inadequate safety training
• Failing to monitor driver performance
• Pressuring drivers to violate safety rules

Spoliation of Evidence

When trucking companies destroy evidence after being put on notice, courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

The Insurance Coverage Available in City of Miles Cases

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

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

Many carriers in City of Miles carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike typical car accidents with $30,000 limits.

The Damages You Can Recover in City of Miles

Economic Damages

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost 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

Punitive Damages

Available when trucking companies act with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

The City of Miles Legal Process for Trucking Cases

Texas Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in City of Miles. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means:

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

The City of Miles Court System

Your case would likely be filed in:

• Runnels County District Court for cases with significant damages
• Runnels County Court at Law for smaller cases
• Federal Court for interstate trucking cases

Our team knows the local judges, court staff, and procedures in City of Miles courts.

Why City of Miles Families Choose Attorney911

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx and UPS trucks
• Major oilfield service companies
• Local agricultural carriers

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work 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.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas truck accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of City of Miles

We understand:

• The trucking corridors serving our area
• The unique challenges of agricultural and oilfield trucking
• The local courts and judges
• The weather conditions that affect truck safety
• The local hospitals and medical providers

Spanish-Language Services

Many truck drivers and accident victims in City of Miles speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña and staff member Zulema, who provide direct representation without interpreters.

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

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene – Take photos and video if possible
4. Get trucking company information – Name, DOT number, driver info
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact details
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 – 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate help

Within 48 Hours

• We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• We’ll obtain the police accident report
• We’ll begin gathering medical records
• We’ll interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• We’ll photograph your injuries and vehicle damage

First Week

• We’ll obtain ECM/black box data
• We’ll subpoena ELD records
• We’ll request the Driver Qualification File
• We’ll investigate the trucking company’s safety record
• We’ll consult with accident reconstruction experts

The Attorney911 Difference for City of Miles Families

We Handle Cases Other Firms Won’t

We take cases that other firms reject because:

• The injuries seem minor (they often get worse)
• The trucking company is denying liability
• The insurance coverage seems limited
• The case seems too complex

We Treat You Like Family

Our clients consistently tell us:

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

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

We Move Faster Than Other Firms

Our clients report:

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

“I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

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

City of Miles Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in City of Miles?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the trucking company information, collect witness details, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies.

How quickly should I contact a lawyer after a truck accident in City of Miles?

Immediately – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like black box data and ELD records can be destroyed quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve this evidence.

Who can I sue after a truck accident in City of Miles?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• Maintenance providers
• Manufacturers
• Freight brokers
• Government entities

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

Usually yes. Trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ negligence and can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

City of Miles follows Texas’s comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to gather evidence that proves what really happened.

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

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record operational data:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

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. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we act immediately to preserve this evidence.

What records should my lawyer 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
• The physical truck and trailer

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

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 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 (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers

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
• 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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in City of Miles?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

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

Case values depend on:

• 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.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve in City of Miles?

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.

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.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

Many carriers in City of Miles 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
• 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.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in City of Miles?

The Texas statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do cargo spills create liability?

Improperly secured cargo can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards
• Spill hazardous materials, causing additional dangers

The cargo owner and loading company may be liable for these failures.

What if a tire blowout caused my accident?

Tire blowouts often result from:

• Underinflation causing overheating
• Overloading beyond tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching

We investigate the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable.

How do brake failures get investigated?

Brake failures often result from:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective components

We examine maintenance records, conduct post-crash inspections, and consult with brake system experts.

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be critical evidence showing:

• Driver behavior before the crash
• Road conditions
• Traffic patterns
• The moments leading up to impact

We demand preservation of all video evidence immediately.

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes. GPS data shows:

• The truck’s route
• Speed history
• Stopping patterns
• Compliance with hours of service

This data can prove speeding, fatigue, or route deviations.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy remains in effect. We pursue claims against the insurance carrier to ensure you receive compensation.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with:

• Medical experts to project future treatment needs
• Life care planners to develop comprehensive care plans
• Economists to calculate present value of future costs

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium compensates family members for:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Loss of household services
• Loss of intimacy

When are punitive damages available?

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We prove fatigue through:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing long driving periods
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Witness testimony about driver behavior
• Expert analysis of crash dynamics

What is the FMCSA and how does it help my case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates commercial trucking. FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) set the standard for safe trucking operations. Proving violations of these regulations establishes negligence.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s complete safety record to build your case.

What experts do you use in trucking cases?

We work with:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners
• FMCSA regulation experts
• Trucking industry experts

How are wrongful death damages calculated in City of Miles?

Wrongful death damages may include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship)
• Loss of parental guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages

What happens if there’s not enough insurance?

If the at-fault party’s insurance is insufficient, we explore:

• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Other liable parties
• Excess or umbrella policies
• Bad faith insurance claims

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After an 18-wheeler accident in City of Miles, the trucking company has a team of lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

At Attorney911, we:

• Send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence
• Investigate every potentially liable party
• Fight for maximum compensation
• Treat you like family, not a case number
• Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help City of Miles families after trucking accidents.

“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

“I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.