18-Wheeler Accidents in Moran, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Moran, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The aftermath of a commercial truck crash isn’t just about physical recovery—it’s about navigating a complex legal landscape where trucking companies and their insurers are already working to protect their interests. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges Moran residents face when dealing with the aftermath of these catastrophic collisions.

Why Moran’s Trucking Corridors Are So Dangerous

Moran sits at a critical juncture in Shackelford County, where several major transportation routes intersect. The city’s position along US Highway 67 and its proximity to Interstate 20—just 30 miles to the north—make it a frequent stop for commercial trucks traveling between major Texas hubs. This constant flow of heavy freight creates unique risks for local drivers:

US Highway 67 Corridor: This busy route connects Moran to major cities like Abilene (40 miles west) and Stephenville (60 miles east), carrying a steady stream of commercial traffic including oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and general freight. The highway’s two-lane sections and frequent intersections create high-risk zones for truck accidents.
Intersection Hazards: The junction of US 67 and FM 576 is particularly dangerous, with trucks making wide turns that can trap smaller vehicles in blind spots. Local residents know this intersection all too well—it’s where many of our clients’ accidents have occurred.
Oilfield Traffic: Moran’s proximity to the Permian Basin oilfields means increased truck traffic carrying drilling equipment, fracking materials, and hazardous substances. These oversized loads create additional hazards on local roads.
Rural Road Conditions: Many of the roads leading to and from Moran’s agricultural areas are narrow, poorly maintained, and lack adequate lighting—conditions that become especially dangerous when combined with large commercial vehicles.
Seasonal Factors: Moran experiences Texas’s characteristic extreme weather, from summer heat that can cause tire blowouts to sudden thunderstorms that create slick road conditions. These factors make trucking accidents more likely and more severe when they occur.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal: your 4,000-pound car is no match for a fully loaded commercial truck. The injuries we see in Moran trucking accidents are life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The violent forces of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes. We’ve represented Moran residents who will never work again due to TBI from truck crashes.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia and paraplegia are tragically common outcomes in severe truck accidents, requiring lifetime medical care.
Amputations: Crushing injuries from truck impacts often leave victims with traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for Moran residents who lost limbs in trucking accidents.
Severe Burns: When fuel tanks rupture in truck crashes, victims can suffer third-degree burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries and leaving permanent disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage: The force of a truck collision can rupture organs, cause internal bleeding, and lead to life-threatening complications that aren’t always immediately apparent.
Wrongful Death: Tragically, many truck accidents in Moran result in fatalities. We’ve represented grieving families who lost loved ones in preventable truck crashes, helping them seek justice and compensation for their immeasurable loss.

Why Moran Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in Moran present unique legal challenges that require specialized expertise:

Complex Liability Issues: Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties—including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even the truck manufacturer. Our team knows how to identify and pursue all responsible parties.
Federal Regulations: Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal safety regulations (FMCSA) that don’t apply to passenger vehicles. We know how to use these regulations to prove negligence in your case.
Evidence Preservation: Critical evidence in trucking cases—like black box data, electronic logs, and maintenance records—can disappear quickly. We act fast to preserve this evidence before it’s destroyed.
Higher Stakes: Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers, but they also have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. You need an attorney who can stand up to these corporate legal teams.
Local Knowledge: We understand Moran’s roads, weather patterns, and the specific challenges faced by local drivers. This local expertise gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Moran

Our experience handling trucking cases in Shackelford County has revealed several recurring causes of accidents:

Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer on Moran’s Roads

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents nationwide, and Moran is no exception. Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, but many drivers and companies ignore these rules to meet tight delivery deadlines.

We’ve seen cases where:

Drivers falsified their electronic logs to hide hours of service violations
Trucking companies pressured drivers to meet impossible delivery schedules
Drivers worked second jobs during their “off-duty” time, leaving them exhausted behind the wheel

The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) exist for a reason—fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to make critical errors. When we investigate trucking accidents in Moran, we always examine the driver’s electronic logging device (ELD) data to identify any violations.

Distracted Driving: A Growing Threat

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major hazard on Moran’s roads. Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

Cell phone use (prohibited by 49 CFR § 392.82)
Dispatch communications through onboard systems
Navigation devices that require manual input
Eating and drinking while driving
Fatigue-related zoning out

We’ve handled cases where truck drivers were texting, watching videos, or even using social media at the time of the crash. These distractions take the driver’s attention away from the road for critical seconds—seconds that can mean the difference between life and death.

Improper Maintenance: When Trucks Become Death Traps

Commercial trucks require regular, thorough maintenance to operate safely. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, the results can be deadly. Common maintenance failures we see in Moran trucking cases include:

Brake failures (responsible for 29% of truck accidents)
Tire blowouts (especially dangerous on US 67’s high-speed sections)
Faulty steering components
Malfunctioning lights and signals
Worn suspension systems

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Part 396) require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. When we investigate trucking accidents, we subpoena maintenance records to identify any violations that may have contributed to the crash.

Cargo Securement Failures: When Loads Become Weapons

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing trucks to become unstable and leading to rollovers, jackknifes, or cargo spills. We’ve seen cases where:

Oversized loads weren’t properly flagged or secured
Hazardous materials spilled onto the roadway
Agricultural equipment came loose on rural roads
Steel coils shifted in transit, causing catastrophic accidents

FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exactly how different types of cargo must be secured. When these regulations are violated, the results can be deadly for other drivers on Moran’s roads.

Wide Turn Accidents: A Common Hazard in Moran

Trucks need extra space to make turns, and drivers often swing wide to the left before making a right turn. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These “squeeze play” accidents are particularly common at:

The US 67/FM 576 intersection
Moran’s downtown intersections
Rural road intersections where visibility is limited

Underride Collisions: Among the Deadliest Truck Accidents

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the side or rear of a truck and slides underneath. These accidents are often fatal because the truck’s trailer shears off the top of the passenger vehicle.

While rear underride guards are required by federal law (49 CFR § 393.86), side underride guards are not—despite their proven ability to save lives. We’ve represented families who lost loved ones in preventable underride collisions.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

When a trucking accident occurs in Moran, the trucking company and their insurer spring into action immediately. Their goal isn’t to help you—it’s to protect their own interests. Here’s what they do (and what we do to counter it):

Rapid Response Teams

Within hours of an accident, trucking companies dispatch rapid response teams to the scene. These teams are trained to:

Gather evidence that protects the company
Influence witnesses’ statements
Shape the narrative of what happened
Begin building a defense strategy

Our Response: We move just as quickly to preserve evidence before it’s contaminated or destroyed. Our team includes investigators who can reach the scene promptly to document the accident before crucial evidence disappears.

Evidence Destruction

Trucking companies know that certain evidence can make or break a case. They may:

Overwrite black box data (which can be lost in as little as 30 days)
Delete dashcam footage
Dispose of maintenance records
“Lose” driver qualification files

Our Response: We send spoliation letters immediately to all potentially liable parties, demanding preservation of all evidence. We know what to look for and how to secure it before it’s lost.

Lowball Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within days of the crash with quick settlement offers. These offers are designed to:

Pay you far less than your case is worth
Get you to sign away your rights before you understand the full extent of your injuries
Close the case before you hire an attorney

Our Response: We advise all clients to never accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. We know how to evaluate the true value of your case and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Blaming the Victim

Trucking companies and their insurers will look for any way to shift blame to the victim. Common tactics include:

Claiming you were in their blind spot
Arguing you were speeding or driving recklessly
Suggesting your injuries were pre-existing
Claiming you contributed to the accident

Our Response: We gather comprehensive evidence—including black box data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction—to prove what really happened. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases in Moran

Winning a trucking accident case requires building an airtight case based on irrefutable evidence. At Attorney911, we know exactly what evidence to pursue and how to use it to maximize your compensation:

Electronic Data: The Truck’s “Black Box”

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

Engine Control Module (ECM): Records speed, throttle position, brake application, and engine performance
Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Tracks hours of service, driving time, and GPS location
Event Data Recorder (EDR): Captures data in the moments before a crash
Telematics Systems: Provide real-time tracking of the truck’s location and performance

This data is objective and tamper-resistant, making it some of the most powerful evidence in trucking cases. We work quickly to preserve this data before it’s overwritten or destroyed.

Driver Qualification Files

Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain comprehensive files on each driver, including:

Employment application
Driving record
Medical certification
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Previous employer verification

These files can reveal negligent hiring practices, such as hiring drivers with poor safety records or failing to conduct proper background checks.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must maintain records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on their vehicles. These records can reveal:

Deferred maintenance that should have been performed
Known defects that were ignored
Pattern of safety violations
Failure to conduct required inspections

Hours of Service Records

ELD data provides a complete record of a driver’s on-duty and driving time. This data can prove:

Hours of service violations
False log entries
Fatigue-related negligence
Pressure from the company to violate regulations

Cargo Documentation

Bills of lading, loading manifests, and cargo securement records can reveal:

Improper loading practices
Overweight loads
Hazardous materials that weren’t properly disclosed
Failure to follow cargo securement regulations

Witness Statements

We interview all witnesses to the accident, including:

Other drivers who saw what happened
Passengers in your vehicle
Pedestrians or nearby residents
First responders

Witness statements can corroborate your version of events and provide critical details about the accident.

Accident Reconstruction

For complex accidents, we work with accident reconstruction experts who can:

Analyze skid marks and vehicle damage
Determine the speed and trajectory of the vehicles
Reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the crash
Identify contributing factors like road conditions or vehicle defects

Medical Records

Comprehensive medical records are essential to proving the extent of your injuries. We gather:

Emergency room records
Hospital records
Doctor’s notes and treatment plans
Physical therapy records
Medical bills
Expert opinions on your prognosis

The Legal Process: What to Expect in Your Moran Trucking Case

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Moran, here’s what you can expect when you work with Attorney911:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

Listen to your story and answer your questions
Explain your legal rights and options
Evaluate the strength of your case
Discuss our fee structure (you pay nothing unless we win)

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of black box data, ELD records, and other electronic evidence
Subpoena cell phone records
Secure dashcam footage if available
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles

3. Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation includes:

Obtaining police reports
Interviewing witnesses
Analyzing electronic data
Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
Examining driver qualification files
Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
Researching the trucking company’s safety record

4. Medical Treatment and Documentation

We work with your medical providers to:

Ensure you receive proper treatment for your injuries
Document the full extent of your injuries
Obtain expert opinions on your prognosis
Calculate the cost of future medical care

5. Demand Letter and Negotiation

Once we’ve completed our investigation and you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we:

Prepare a comprehensive demand package
Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
Send a demand letter to the insurance company
Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we’re prepared to take your case to court. This may involve:

Filing a lawsuit
Conducting depositions
Engaging in discovery
Retaining expert witnesses
Presenting your case to a jury

7. Resolution

The vast majority of cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in front of a jury if necessary.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Moran Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and determination to take on the trucking industry. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
Litigated against major trucking companies, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
Handled complex trucking cases involving FMCSA violations, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death
Been admitted to practice in federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He understands:

How insurance companies evaluate claims
The tactics they use to minimize payouts
How to counter their strategies
What makes them settle for maximum amounts

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in negotiating with insurance companies and building strong cases.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims across Texas, including:

$5+ million for a logging accident victim who suffered traumatic brain injury and vision loss
$3.8+ million for a car accident victim who required partial leg amputation due to medical complications
$2.5+ million for truck crash victims
Millions more for families devastated by wrongful death in trucking accidents

Comprehensive Resources

Trucking cases require significant resources to investigate and litigate. We have:

Access to top accident reconstruction experts
Relationships with medical specialists who can document your injuries
The ability to subpoena critical evidence
Experience handling complex multi-party litigation

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms that treat clients like case numbers, we treat every client like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and our team throughout your case. We keep you informed every step of the way and are always available to answer your questions.

Contingency Fee Structure

We work on contingency, which means:

You pay nothing upfront
We advance all costs of litigation
You only pay if we win your case
Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Moran-Specific Legal Considerations

Trucking accidents in Moran present unique legal challenges that require local expertise:

Texas Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it can mean losing your right to compensation forever. However, you shouldn’t wait to take action—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Comparative Negligence Rule

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Damage Caps in Texas

Texas has specific rules about damage caps in personal injury cases:

Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) have no cap
Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) have no cap in most personal injury cases
Punitive damages are capped at the greater of: (1) two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000, or (2) $200,000

Local Court Systems

Moran trucking cases may be filed in:

Shackelford County Court at Law (for cases under $250,000)
391st District Court (for cases over $250,000)
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (for interstate trucking cases)

We know the local courts, judges, and procedures, giving us an advantage in your case.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Moran

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Moran, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health is the top priority. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured:

Go to the emergency room or urgent care
Follow up with your primary care physician
Attend all recommended medical appointments
Keep detailed records of all medical treatment

Many serious injuries—like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding—may not show symptoms immediately. Getting checked out protects both your health and your legal case.

2. Call the Police

Always call 911 after a trucking accident. The police will:

Create an official accident report
Document the scene
Interview witnesses
Issue citations if appropriate

This report will be crucial evidence in your case.

3. Document the Scene

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

Take photos of all vehicles involved
Photograph the accident scene, including skid marks and road conditions
Get the truck driver’s name, license number, and insurance information
Collect contact information from witnesses
Note the trucking company’s name and DOT number

4. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Companies

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may contact you within hours of the accident. They may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize your claim. Do not:

Give a recorded statement
Sign any documents
Accept any settlement offers

Instead, tell them you’re represented by an attorney and refer them to us.

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Time is critical in trucking accident cases. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Begin our investigation
Protect your legal rights
Deal with insurance companies on your behalf

Common Questions About Moran Trucking Accidents

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
The cost of your medical treatment (past and future)
Your lost wages and earning capacity
The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers—often $1 million or more. This means your case may be worth significantly more than a typical car accident case.

How long will my case take?

The timeline for your case depends on several factors:

The severity of your injuries
The complexity of the accident
Whether liability is disputed
The cooperation of the trucking company
The court’s schedule

Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. More complex cases can take 1-3 years or longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in front of a jury if necessary.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the truck driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

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

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

You pay nothing upfront
We advance all costs of litigation
You only pay if we win your case
Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to top-quality legal representation.

Moran Trucking Accident Case Study

To illustrate how we handle trucking accident cases in Moran, let’s look at a hypothetical case based on our experience:

The Accident:
John, a Moran resident, was driving home from work on US Highway 67 when an 18-wheeler carrying oilfield equipment made a wide right turn at the intersection with FM 576. The truck driver didn’t see John’s car in his blind spot and turned directly into John’s path, causing a catastrophic collision.

The Injuries:
John suffered:

Traumatic brain injury
Multiple fractures
Internal bleeding
Severe lacerations

He was airlifted to a trauma center and spent weeks in the hospital, followed by months of rehabilitation.

Our Investigation:
We immediately sent spoliation letters to the trucking company and began our investigation. We discovered:

The truck driver had falsified his electronic logs, showing he was on duty for 16 hours before the accident (5 hours over the legal limit)
The trucking company had a history of hours of service violations
The driver’s qualification file was incomplete—he had been hired without a proper background check
The truck’s brakes were poorly maintained and had been cited in previous inspections
The oilfield equipment was improperly secured, contributing to the severity of the accident

The Result:
We filed a lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, and the company that loaded the cargo. Through aggressive litigation and negotiation, we secured a $4.2 million settlement for John, covering his medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Moran trucking accident case, you’re getting more than just legal representation—you’re getting a team that will fight tirelessly for your rights. Here’s what you can expect:

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of black box data, ELD records, and other electronic evidence
Subpoena cell phone records
Secure dashcam footage if available
Photograph the accident scene and vehicles

Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation leaves no stone unturned. We:

Obtain police reports
Interview witnesses
Analyze electronic data
Review maintenance and inspection records
Examine driver qualification files
Consult with accident reconstruction experts
Research the trucking company’s safety record

Maximum Compensation Strategy

We pursue every possible avenue for compensation, including:

Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
Non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
All available insurance policies
All liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, etc.)

Personalized Client Service

We treat every client like family. You’ll have:

Direct access to your attorney
Regular updates on your case
Compassionate support throughout the process
Honest answers to all your questions

Trial-Ready Preparation

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation:

Gives us leverage in negotiations
Ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary
Shows the insurance company we’re serious about getting maximum compensation

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Moran, Texas, don’t wait to seek legal help. Every hour that passes is an hour the trucking company uses to build their defense and destroy critical evidence.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation. Let us fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

“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

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 and let us fight for you.