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

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in collisions with commercial trucks on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Arp, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across East Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know the Arp-area trucking corridors like the back of our hand – from the I-20 interchange to the distribution centers along Highway 64, we understand the unique risks that commercial trucks pose to our community.

Why Arp Trucking Accidents Are Different

Arp sits at a critical juncture in East Texas’ transportation network. Our location near Tyler and Longview means we see heavy truck traffic from:

• I-20 corridor connecting Dallas to Shreveport
• Highway 64 serving local distribution centers
• Highway 135 connecting to the Tyler metro area
• Local oil and gas industry trucking serving Smith County
• Agricultural freight from East Texas farms

This concentration of commercial traffic creates unique risks for Arp residents and visitors. Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes often involve:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo owner, etc.)
• Complex federal regulations (FMCSA rules)
• Catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care
• Insurance policies with much higher limits
• Aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies

The Devastating Reality of Arp Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. We’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives in our community:

Common Injuries in Arp Trucking Accidents

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even “mild” TBIs can cause lifelong cognitive impairment, memory problems, and personality changes. We’ve represented Arp residents who can no longer work or care for their families due to brain injuries from truck crashes.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis from trucking accidents often requires millions in lifetime medical care. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for Arp clients left paralyzed after collisions with commercial trucks.

• Amputations: The crushing forces in truck accidents frequently result in traumatic amputations. We’ve helped Arp clients obtain compensation for prosthetic limbs, rehabilitation, and home modifications after losing limbs in truck crashes.

• Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures in truck accidents can cause horrific burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. We’ve represented burn victims in Arp who needed years of reconstructive surgery after trucking accidents.

• Internal Organ Damage: The force of a truck collision can rupture organs and cause internal bleeding. We’ve seen cases where Arp accident victims required emergency surgery to save their lives after truck crashes.

• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many trucking accidents in our area prove fatal. We’ve represented grieving Arp families who lost loved ones in preventable truck crashes, helping them secure justice and compensation.

The Financial Impact on Arp Families

The medical bills after a serious trucking accident can quickly spiral out of control:

• Emergency room visits: $10,000-$50,000+
• Hospital stays (per day): $5,000-$20,000
• Surgeries: $20,000-$150,000+
• Rehabilitation: $500-$1,500 per day
• Home modifications: $50,000-$200,000+
• Prosthetics: $5,000-$50,000 per device
• Lost wages: $1,000s per week of missed work

For many Arp families, these costs create impossible financial burdens. That’s why having an experienced trucking accident attorney is so crucial – we know how to pursue full compensation from all liable parties and their insurance companies.

Why Trucking Companies Are So Dangerous

Trucking companies prioritize profits over safety in ways that directly endanger Arp residents:

Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window
• A 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely see Arp-area trucking companies pressuring drivers to violate these rules. In one recent case, we proved a driver had been on duty for 20 consecutive hours before causing a crash on Highway 64 near Arp.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Trucking companies often cut corners when hiring drivers. We’ve uncovered cases where companies:

• Failed to verify CDL status
• Ignored histories of reckless driving
• Hired drivers with multiple DUIs
• Skipped required drug testing
• Employed drivers with suspended licenses

In one Arp case, we proved a trucking company hired a driver with 12 previous speeding violations and 3 license suspensions – directly leading to a fatal crash.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks require rigorous maintenance to operate safely. Yet we frequently find:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Tires with dangerously low tread
• Faulty lighting systems
• Defective coupling devices
• Unrepaired mechanical issues

We recently secured a $3.8 million settlement for an Arp family after proving a trucking company failed to repair known brake defects that caused a crash on I-20.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

• Loads shift during transit
• Cargo falls from trucks
• Weight is unevenly distributed
• Tiedowns fail

We’ve handled multiple cases in the Arp area where shifting cargo caused trucks to roll over or jackknife, injuring innocent motorists.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Fight Back

Within hours of an accident, trucking companies activate their rapid-response teams. Their sole mission: protect the company’s interests, not yours. Here’s what they do – and how we counter their tactics:

What They Do: Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

Their Tactic: Insurance adjusters contact victims within hours, offering quick settlements that sound generous but are actually pennies on the dollar.

Our Counter: We advise all Arp clients NEVER to accept early settlement offers. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

What They Do: Deny or Minimize Injuries

Their Tactic: Adjusters claim your injuries aren’t serious or were pre-existing.

Our Counter: We obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony to prove the full extent of your injuries. Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know every trick adjusters use.

What They Do: Blame the Victim

Their Tactic: They claim you were partially or fully at fault to reduce your compensation.

Our Counter: We conduct thorough investigations, gathering evidence that disproves their claims. Texas uses modified comparative negligence – as long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages.

What They Do: Delay the Claims Process

Their Tactic: They drag out the process, hoping you’ll give up or accept a low offer.

Our Counter: We file lawsuits to force discovery and set depositions. Our litigation experience puts pressure on them to settle fairly.

What They Do: Use Recorded Statements Against You

Their Tactic: Adjusters record your statements and use them to minimize your claim.

Our Counter: We advise all Arp clients NEVER to give recorded statements without an attorney present. We handle all communications with the insurance company.

What They Do: Claim “Pre-Existing Conditions”

Their Tactic: They argue your injuries existed before the accident.

Our Counter: We use the “Eggshell Skull” doctrine – they must take you as they find you. Even if you had pre-existing conditions, if the accident worsened them, you’re entitled to compensation.

What They Do: Send Surveillance Investigators

Their Tactic: They hire investigators to follow you and record your activities.

Our Counter: We advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose any unfair surveillance tactics. We’ve caught investigators editing footage to misrepresent our clients’ activities.

What They Do: Hire “Independent” Medical Examiners

Their Tactic: They send you to doctors who downplay your injuries.

Our Counter: We counter with testimony from your treating physicians and independent medical experts who specialize in trucking accident injuries.

The Evidence That Wins Arp Trucking Cases

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget details. That’s why we act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data We Preserve

• ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and driving patterns
• GPS Data: Documents the truck’s route and speed
• Cell Phone Records: Show if the driver was distracted
• Dashcam Footage: Provides visual evidence of the accident
• Dispatch Records: Reveal pressure to violate regulations

Documentation We Obtain

• Driver Qualification File: Reveals hiring negligence
• Maintenance Records: Shows deferred repairs
• Inspection Reports: Documents known defects
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Proves impairment
• Cargo Manifests: Shows loading violations
• Training Records: Demonstrates inadequate preparation

Physical Evidence We Secure

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed components for defect analysis
• Tire remnants from blowouts
• Cargo securement devices
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses

How We Prove Negligence in Arp Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company or driver was negligent. Here’s how we build strong cases for our Arp clients:

1. Violations of FMCSA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are the “rules of the road” for commercial trucks. Common violations we find in Arp cases include:

• 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service): Driving beyond legal limits
• 49 CFR § 392.3: Operating while fatigued
• 49 CFR § 392.4/5: Drug or alcohol use
• 49 CFR § 393.40-55: Brake system deficiencies
• 49 CFR § 393.75: Tire violations
• 49 CFR § 393.100-136: Cargo securement failures
• 49 CFR § 396.3: Negligent maintenance
• 49 CFR § 391.11: Unqualified drivers

2. Negligent Hiring, Training, and Supervision

We investigate whether the trucking company:

• Hired drivers with poor safety records
• Failed to conduct proper background checks
• Provided inadequate training
• Failed to monitor driver performance
• Ignored previous violations

3. Negligent Maintenance and Inspections

We examine whether the company:

• Deferred critical repairs
• Failed to conduct required inspections
• Ignored known mechanical issues
• Used substandard parts
• Allowed vehicles to operate with defects

4. Pressure to Violate Safety Regulations

We look for evidence that the company:

• Encouraged drivers to falsify logs
• Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
• Rewarded drivers for violating HOS rules
• Penalized drivers for following safety regulations

5. Product Liability Claims

When equipment failures cause accidents, we pursue claims against:

• Truck manufacturers
• Parts manufacturers
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loading companies

The Arp Trucking Corridors We Know All Too Well

Our deep familiarity with Arp’s trucking routes gives us an advantage in building your case:

I-20 Corridor

The I-20 interchange near Arp sees heavy truck traffic connecting Dallas to Shreveport. This stretch is particularly dangerous due to:

• High speeds and dense traffic
• Frequent lane changes by trucks
• Congestion near the Highway 135 interchange
• Trucks entering and exiting at high speeds
• Limited shoulder space for disabled vehicles

We’ve handled multiple cases involving jackknife accidents and rear-end collisions on this stretch of I-20.

Highway 64

Highway 64 serves as a critical route for local distribution and oilfield traffic. The risks include:

• Narrow lanes and limited shoulders
• Heavy truck traffic from distribution centers
• Oilfield trucks entering and exiting
• Limited visibility at intersections
• Poor lighting in rural stretches

We recently secured a $2.5 million settlement for an Arp family after a truck failed to yield at a Highway 64 intersection, causing a catastrophic collision.

Highway 135

This route connects Arp to the Tyler metro area and sees significant truck traffic. Danger points include:

• Sharp curves that challenge truck stability
• Steep grades that affect braking
• Limited passing zones
• Heavy agricultural traffic
• Poor signage at intersections

Local Distribution Centers

Arp’s proximity to Tyler and Longview means numerous distribution centers operate in our area. These facilities generate significant truck traffic with:

• Frequent turning movements
• Congested parking areas
• Trucks entering and exiting at all hours
• Loading dock operations that create blind spots

Oil and Gas Industry Trucking

Smith County’s oil and gas activity brings specialized truck traffic including:

• Tanker trucks carrying hazardous materials
• Heavy equipment transports
• Water and waste haulers
• Service vehicles for well sites

These trucks often operate on rural roads not designed for heavy commercial traffic, creating unique risks for Arp residents.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Arp

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. These often happen on I-20 and Highway 64 when:

• Drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads
• Empty trailers swing more easily
• Cargo shifts during transit
• Tires lose traction

The results are often catastrophic, with the trailer sweeping across multiple lanes and striking multiple vehicles. We’ve handled cases where jackknife accidents caused multi-vehicle pileups on I-20 near Arp.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a vehicle slides underneath a trailer. These are among the most deadly trucking accidents because:

• The trailer often shears off the vehicle’s roof
• Occupants suffer catastrophic head and neck injuries
• Airbags may not deploy properly
• Seatbelts can fail due to extreme forces

Texas has seen numerous underride accidents on I-20 and Highway 64. While federal regulations require rear underride guards, there’s no requirement for side guards – though safety advocates have been pushing for this change.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs. Common causes in our area include:

• Speeding on curves (especially on Highway 135)
• Improperly secured cargo
• Liquid cargo shifting (common with oilfield trucks)
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue causing loss of control

Rollover accidents often result in cargo spills that create additional hazards for other motorists.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive size, trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When trucks rear-end vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.

We’ve handled numerous rear-end collision cases in Arp where truck drivers:

• Followed too closely
• Were distracted by cell phones
• Fell asleep at the wheel
• Had brake failures due to poor maintenance

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left before turning right. This creates a gap that other vehicles may enter, leading to collisions when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents frequently occur at:

• Highway 64 and Highway 135 intersection
• I-20 exit ramps
• Arp’s downtown intersections
• Truck stop entrances and exits

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Commercial trucks have four major blind spots:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward – much larger than the left side

Accidents occur when trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots. We’ve handled cases where trucks sideswiped vehicles on I-20 and Highway 64 due to blind spot failures.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are particularly dangerous for commercial trucks because:

• The sudden loss of control can cause jackknifing or rollovers
• Tire debris can strike other vehicles
• The truck may cross multiple lanes before stopping

Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects

We recently secured a $1.9 million settlement for an Arp client after a tire blowout caused a truck to cross the median on Highway 64 and strike her vehicle head-on.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common brake issues include:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes (brake fade)
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

We’ve handled multiple cases where brake failures caused catastrophic accidents on I-20 and Highway 135’s steep grades.

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo creates multiple hazards:

• Shifting loads can cause rollovers or jackknifing
• Falling cargo can strike other vehicles
• Hazardous materials can create additional dangers
• Unbalanced loads affect vehicle stability

We’ve seen cases in Arp where:

• Steel coils came loose on I-20
• Oilfield equipment shifted on Highway 135
• Agricultural products spilled on Highway 64
• Hazardous materials leaked from tankers

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the most deadly trucking accidents. They often occur when:

• Trucks cross medians (especially on I-20)
• Drivers fall asleep and drift into oncoming traffic
• Drivers are distracted and cross center lines
• Drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Medical emergencies cause loss of control

We’ve represented multiple Arp families who lost loved ones in head-on collisions with commercial trucks.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Arp Trucking Accident?

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. But in trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Failure to yield, improper lane changes, running red lights

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits. They may be liable for:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

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

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

The Arp Trucking Accident Legal Process

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
• Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation

We conduct a thorough investigation including:

• Accident reconstruction by expert engineers
• Analysis of ECM and ELD data
• Review of driver qualification files
• Examination of maintenance records
• Inspection of the truck and trailer
• Review of cargo securement documentation
• Analysis of drug and alcohol test results
• Investigation of the trucking company’s safety record

Step 3: Medical Treatment and Documentation

We help you:

• Get the medical treatment you need
• Document all injuries and treatments
• Connect with specialists for long-term care
• Calculate future medical expenses
• Develop a life care plan for catastrophic injuries

Step 4: Demand Letter and Negotiation

We prepare a comprehensive demand package including:

• Detailed account of the accident
• Analysis of liability and negligence
• Itemization of all damages (medical, lost wages, pain and suffering)
• Expert reports supporting your claim
• Settlement demand amount

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company, using our trial experience as leverage.

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit and proceed with:

• Written discovery (interrogatories, requests for production)
• Depositions of the driver, safety manager, and other key witnesses
• Expert witness testimony
• Motion practice
• Trial preparation

Step 6: Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This creates maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. If necessary, we’ll take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Your Arp Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but here are typical ranges we’ve seen in East Texas cases:

Factors That Increase Case Value

• Clear liability (trucking company clearly at fault)
• Severe, permanent injuries
• High medical expenses (past and future)
• Significant lost wages (especially for high earners)
• Strong evidence (ECM data, witness testimony, etc.)
• Multiple liable parties
• High insurance limits (trucking companies carry $750,000+ minimum)
• Gross negligence (punitive damages possible)
• Sympathetic plaintiff (especially children or elderly victims)

Types of Compensation Available

1. Economic Damages:

   • Past and future medical expenses
   • Lost wages and earning capacity
   • Property damage
   • Out-of-pocket expenses
   • Life care costs

2. Non-Economic Damages:

   • Pain and suffering
   • Mental anguish
   • Loss of enjoyment of life
   • Disfigurement
   • Loss of consortium

3. Punitive Damages:

   • Awarded in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct
   • Designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arp Trucking Accident Case

1. We’re Arp’s Trucking Accident Specialists

While many firms handle car accidents, we focus specifically on 18-wheeler and commercial trucking cases. This specialization gives us:

• Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations
• Experience with complex multi-party litigation
• Understanding of trucking industry practices
• Relationships with top trucking accident experts
• Insider knowledge of insurance company tactics

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Evaluate claims
• Train adjusters to minimize payouts
• Build defenses against legitimate claims
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Delay and deny claims to wear victims down

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas, 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

4. We’re Trial Lawyers Who Aren’t Afraid to Go to Court

While most cases settle, 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.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has:

• 25+ years of courtroom experience
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience litigating against Fortune 500 companies
• A track record of securing multi-million dollar verdicts

5. We Offer Personal Attention and 24/7 Availability

Unlike big billboard firms that treat you like a number, we provide personal attention and direct access to your attorney. Our clients consistently praise our:

• Family-like treatment: “They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number” – Chad Harris
• Direct attorney access: “Ralph reached out personally” – Dame Haskett
• Communication: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer” – Dame Haskett
• Fast resolution: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years” – Angel Walle

6. We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many firms turn away cases they consider “too difficult” or “not valuable enough.” We believe every victim deserves justice. Our clients tell us:

• “I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out” – Greg Garcia
• “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check” – Donald Wilcox

7. We Speak Spanish and Serve Arp’s Hispanic Community

Arp has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking industry workers speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña and staff member Zulema.

We provide:

• Spanish-language consultations
• Direct representation without interpreters
• Bilingual case management
• Spanish-language legal documents

8. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that trucking accidents create financial hardship. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No retainer required
• We advance all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

What to Do If You’ve Been in an Arp Trucking Accident

At the Scene

If you’re able, take these steps immediately after the accident:

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 videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene (skid marks, debris, road conditions)
   • Your injuries
   • Street signs and traffic signals
   • Weather conditions
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Witness names and contact information
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number
5. Avoid discussing fault – Don’t admit fault or apologize
6. Don’t give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly – refer them to your attorney

In the Days Following

1. Follow up with medical treatment – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
2. Document everything – Keep records of:
   • All medical visits and treatments
   • Time missed from work
   • How your injuries affect daily activities
   • Pain levels and symptoms
3. Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
4. Don’t accept early settlement offers – These are almost always lowball offers
5. Contact an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases

When You Call Attorney911

When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what to expect:

1. Immediate case evaluation – We’ll assess your case and explain your options
2. Evidence preservation – We’ll send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
3. Medical care coordination – We’ll help you get the treatment you need
4. Investigation launch – We’ll begin gathering evidence immediately
5. Insurance company communication – We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company
6. Regular updates – We’ll keep you informed every step of the way

Frequently Asked Questions About Arp Trucking Accidents

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. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Arp trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available
• Whether multiple parties are liable

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car insurance policies, which means more compensation may be available for your injuries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This creates maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

• If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. We work to minimize your attributed fault and maximize your recovery.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Moderate cases with some disputes: 12-24 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 2-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive full compensation for your injuries.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the 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 the responsible parties.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help you:

• Use your health insurance
• Work with medical providers who treat on a lien basis
• Access medical funding options
• Coordinate with your doctors to ensure you get the care you need

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Trucking companies are required to carry insurance. Even if the company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy should still cover your claim. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

Can I still recover compensation if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

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

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one before death

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you:

• Find medical providers who treat on a lien basis
• Access medical funding options
• Get the treatment you need while your case is pending

What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster contacts me?

Do not speak to the insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Refer all communications to your attorney.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all case expenses
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

What if I already talked to the insurance company?

That’s okay. Contact us immediately. We can still help you, but it’s important to let us handle all future communications with the insurance company.

What if I don’t want to sue anyone?

Most cases settle without going to court. We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to secure fair compensation. If they refuse to offer a reasonable settlement, we may need to file a lawsuit – but this is always your decision.

Arp Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

• UT Health East Texas Tyler – 1000 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
• CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler – 800 E Dawson Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Tyler – 800 E Dawson Ave, Tyler, TX 75701
• East Texas Medical Center – Jacksonville – 501 S Ragsdale St, Jacksonville, TX 75766

Arp Law Enforcement

• Arp Police Department – 103 E Longview St, Arp, TX 75750
• Smith County Sheriff’s Office – 227 N Spring Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
• Texas Department of Public Safety – 3800 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701

Trucking Safety Resources

• FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS): safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• FMCSA Company Snapshot: ai.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): txdot.gov
• Texas Trucking Association: texastrucking.com

Legal Resources

• Texas Bar Association: texasbar.com
• Texas Courts Online: txcourts.gov
• Texas Statutes: statutes.capitol.texas.gov

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Arp, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

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

“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

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases – we fight for families. Let us fight for yours.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.