18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in New London, Texas

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in New London, Texas, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The aftermath of a commercial truck crash leaves victims with devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of New London families recover from catastrophic trucking accidents.

Our New London 18-wheeler accident attorneys have over 25 years of experience fighting for truck crash victims across East Texas. We know the New London area’s highways, the local courts, and exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life in an instant, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team.

Why New London Trucking Accidents Are Different

New London sits at a critical junction in East Texas, where major trucking routes intersect. The area’s mix of rural highways, oil field traffic, and agricultural freight creates unique risks for trucking accidents:

• Highway 69 corridor connecting Tyler to Lufkin sees heavy commercial traffic
• Oil field trucking from nearby drilling sites adds specialized vehicles to local roads
• Agricultural freight from Rusk County farms creates seasonal trucking peaks
• Local distribution centers serving the Tyler-Longview metro area increase truck traffic

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and trucking companies with rapid-response legal teams. The trucking company’s lawyers start working immediately to protect their interests—not yours.

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents in New London

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, but the crashes in our East Texas region have unique characteristics:

• Higher fatality rates on rural highways with limited emergency response
• Longer response times for medical help in remote areas
• Specialized truck types including oil field equipment and agricultural haulers
• Seasonal traffic patterns that affect truck volume and safety

When an 18-wheeler strikes a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The size and weight disparity means:

• Your 4,000-pound car vs. an 80,000-pound truck
• Stopping distance of 300 feet for cars vs. 525 feet for trucks
• Impact forces that cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in New London

Our attorneys have investigated hundreds of trucking accidents in the New London area and identified the most common causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers in East Texas often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to dangerous fatigue. Federal regulations limit driving time to prevent accidents, but violations are common:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window maximum
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

When drivers violate these rules, they become dangerously fatigued. A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that fatigued driving causes 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use, GPS devices, and in-cab electronics distract truck drivers on New London’s highways. Federal law prohibits:

• Hand-held phone use while driving
• Texting while driving
• Reaching for devices that requires leaving the seated position

Despite these prohibitions, distracted driving remains a leading cause of trucking accidents.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

East Texas’s long stretches of highway and heavy truck traffic put significant wear on commercial vehicles. Common maintenance failures include:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Tire blowouts from underinflation or wear
• Lighting failures making trucks hard to see

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes according to federal data.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when loads shift or spill onto highways. Federal cargo securement regulations require:

• Adequate tiedowns based on cargo weight
• Proper load distribution to prevent instability
• Specialized securement for different cargo types (logs, steel coils, machinery)

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can cause rollovers, jackknifes, or create road hazards for other vehicles.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes in the New London area include:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to swing
• Improper braking technique on downgrades

These accidents are particularly dangerous on Highway 69 where vehicles may not have time to react.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck trailer, often with catastrophic results:

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

Federal law requires rear underride guards, but there are no requirements for side guards despite their proven effectiveness in saving lives.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in New London Trucking Cases

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-changing:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull during a crash. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Mood changes and depression
• Cognitive impairment
• Permanent disability

In severe cases, TBI requires lifetime care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries with partial function loss

These injuries require extensive medical care, home modifications, and often result in permanent disability.

Amputations

Severe crashes can result in:

• Traumatic amputation at the scene
• Surgical amputation due to severe damage
• Multiple amputations in extreme cases

Amputations require prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care.

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents often involve fires from:

• Fuel tank ruptures
• Hazmat cargo spills
• Electrical system failures

Burn injuries require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term care.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, families are left with:

• Lost income and financial support
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Who Is Liable in Your New London Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the vehicle properly

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (failing to repair known defects)
• Scheduling pressure (forcing drivers to violate HOS rules)

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

The companies responsible for loading cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Overloading beyond vehicle capacity
• Unbalanced loads causing instability
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective coupling devices
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC)

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Use of substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier safety scores

The Evidence We Preserve in New London Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. The trucking company’s rapid-response team begins protecting their interests within hours. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records: Electronic logs showing hours of service and driving time
• GPS/Telematics: Real-time location and route data
• Dashcam Footage: Video of the accident and driver behavior
• Cell Phone Records: Evidence of distracted driving

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, training records
• Medical Certification: Proof of physical qualification to drive
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Results from pre-employment and random testing
• Previous Accident History: Record of prior crashes or violations

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Repair history and known defects
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations and repairs
• Tire Records: Replacement history and tread depth
• Brake Records: Adjustment and replacement history

Company Records

• Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to accident
• Dispatch Logs: Trip records and delivery schedules
• Safety Policies: Company safety procedures and training materials
• Insurance Policies: Coverage details and limits
• CSA Scores: Carrier safety performance data

The Immediate Steps We Take for New London Clients

When you call Attorney911 after a trucking accident in New London, we spring into action immediately:

1. Emergency Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These legal notices demand preservation of all evidence related to the accident, including:

• ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD records (required to be retained for 6 months)
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• The physical truck and trailer

2. Accident Scene Investigation

We dispatch investigators to:

• Photograph the accident scene before evidence is cleared
• Document skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Measure and diagram the crash scene

3. Medical Care Coordination

We help clients get the medical care they need by:

• Connecting with local New London medical providers
• Arranging transportation to appointments
• Ensuring proper documentation of injuries
• Coordinating with specialists for complex injuries

4. Insurance Company Protection

We handle all communications with insurance companies to:

• Prevent recorded statements that can be used against you
• Counter lowball settlement offers
• Protect your rights throughout the claims process

How We Prove Negligence in New London Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company or driver was negligent. We do this by establishing:

1. Duty of Care

Trucking companies and drivers have a legal duty to operate safely and follow all federal regulations.

2. Breach of Duty

We prove breach through:

• FMCSA violations (hours of service, maintenance, hiring)
• Traffic law violations (speeding, reckless driving)
• Industry standard violations (proper cargo securement, training)
• Company policy violations (safety procedures, dispatch rules)

3. Causation

We demonstrate that the breach directly caused the accident and your injuries through:

• Accident reconstruction by expert engineers
• Medical expert testimony linking injuries to the crash
• Electronic data analysis from ECM and ELD
• Witness testimony from those who saw the accident

4. Damages

We document all your damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

The Damages You Can Recover in New London

Texas law allows trucking accident victims to recover:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future care)
• Lost wages (income lost due to injury and recovery)
• Lost earning capacity (reduction in future earning ability)
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
• Mental anguish (psychological trauma, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment (inability to participate in activities)
• Disfigurement (scarring, visible injuries)
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Physical impairment (reduced physical capabilities)

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, Texas law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. These may be available when:

• The trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
• Drivers were pressured to violate safety regulations
• Evidence was intentionally destroyed
• The company had a pattern of similar violations

New London Trucking Accident Case Results

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. While every case is unique, here are some examples of what we’ve achieved:

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

These results demonstrate our ability to handle complex trucking cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your New London Trucking Case?

1. Local Knowledge You Can Trust

We know New London’s highways, the local courts, and the unique challenges of East Texas trucking cases. Our familiarity with the area gives us an advantage in building your case.

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 trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims. Our track record shows we know how to maximize your recovery.

5. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911.

6. Hablamos Español

Many New London trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you only pay if we win your case. This makes quality legal representation accessible to everyone.

New London’s Trucking Corridors and Danger Zones

Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the trucking routes serving New London and the areas where accidents frequently occur:

Highway 69 Corridor

This major north-south route connecting Tyler to Lufkin sees heavy commercial traffic. Danger zones include:

• Intersections with local roads where trucks make wide turns
• Construction zones with lane shifts and reduced speeds
• Downgrades where brake failures can occur
• Rural stretches with limited emergency response

Oil Field Trucking Routes

The oil and gas industry brings specialized truck traffic to New London area roads:

• Heavy equipment haulers with oversize loads
• Hazmat tankers carrying flammable materials
• Water haulers for drilling operations
• Sand trucks for hydraulic fracturing

These vehicles often travel on rural roads not designed for heavy truck traffic.

Agricultural Freight Routes

Rusk County’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic:

• Grain haulers during harvest season
• Livestock transporters to regional markets
• Equipment movers for farming operations
• Produce trucks to distribution centers

Seasonal peaks in agricultural trucking create periods of higher accident risk.

Local Distribution Centers

New London serves as a distribution hub for the Tyler-Longview metro area, bringing increased truck traffic to:

• Warehouse facilities on industrial park roads
• Loading docks with pedestrian hazards
• Local delivery routes through residential areas

The New London Trucking Accident Claims Process

When you hire Attorney911 for your New London trucking accident case, here’s what to expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We’ll meet with you to:

• Review the details of your accident
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Answer your questions about the process
• Provide immediate advice on protecting your case

2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We’ll:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
• Collect electronic data from the truck
• Interview witnesses
• Work with accident reconstruction experts

3. Medical Care Coordination

We’ll help you:

• Get the medical treatment you need
• Document your injuries thoroughly
• Understand your prognosis and future care needs

4. Demand Letter and Negotiations

We’ll:

• Calculate all your damages (economic and non-economic)
• Prepare a comprehensive demand package
• Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
• Reject lowball settlement offers

5. Litigation (If Necessary)

If fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll:

• File a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Prepare your case for trial
• Present your case to a jury if necessary

6. Resolution

We’ll work to resolve your case through:

• Settlement negotiations
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Trial (if fair settlement can’t be reached)

New London Trucking Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in New London?

If you’re able, take these steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

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, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in New London?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• 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)

How much is my New London 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.

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.

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, including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• 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

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
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

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 (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• 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
• 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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in New London?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• 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 New London?

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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in New London?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $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
• 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.

New London Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

• CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler (25 miles from New London)
• UT Health East Texas Tyler (25 miles from New London)
• East Texas Medical Center – Jacksonville (15 miles from New London)
• Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital (25 miles from New London)

Local Courts

• Rusk County Courthouse (New London)
• Rusk County Justice of the Peace Courts (New London)
• Texas 4th Court of Appeals (Tyler)

Trucking Safety Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – www.txdot.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas Trucking Association – www.texastrucking.com

Contact New London’s Trusted 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in New London, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect their interests—you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to respond to your legal emergency.

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

“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

Our New London 18-wheeler accident attorneys offer:
✅ Free consultations
✅ No fee unless we win
✅ 24/7 availability
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on staff
✅ Federal court experience
✅ Multi-million dollar results
✅ Hablamos Español

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.