18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Tyler, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Tyler’s highways and interstates. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Tyler, Texas, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, Texas state laws, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re getting a Tyler trucking accident attorney who knows the local courts, the dangerous intersections like the I-20 and Highway 69 interchange, and how to maximize your recovery.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Tyler

Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics are different. The regulations are different. The insurance coverage is different. And most importantly, the injuries are far more severe.

In Tyler, we see a disproportionate number of trucking accidents on key corridors:

• I-20 – The primary east-west freight route through Tyler
• Highway 69 – Connecting Tyler to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• Loop 323 – Tyler’s major commercial bypass
• Highway 155 – Connecting Tyler to Palestine and beyond
• The Tyler distribution hubs – Where local warehouses and logistics centers create concentrated truck traffic

These roads see heavy commercial traffic from major carriers, oil field trucks, and local distribution operations. The mix of local drivers unfamiliar with Tyler’s roads and commercial truckers under tight deadlines creates dangerous conditions.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Tyler

Our Tyler trucking accident attorneys see the same dangerous patterns again and again:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet in Tyler, we frequently see drivers violating these rules. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines, especially for oil field equipment or just-in-time inventory for Tyler’s manufacturing sector, leads to dangerous fatigue.

How we prove fatigue:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing driving beyond limits
• False log book entries (we compare paper logs to ELD data)
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night driving
• GPS data showing erratic driving patterns

2. Distracted Driving

In Tyler, distracted driving is a major problem among commercial drivers:

• Texting while driving (illegal for CMV drivers)
• Using dispatch devices while moving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• GPS programming while driving
• Looking at billboards or scenery

49 CFR § 392.82 explicitly prohibits hand-held mobile phone use by CMV drivers. Violations can prove negligence.

3. Improper Maintenance

Tyler’s climate – hot summers and occasional winter freezes – takes a toll on truck equipment. Common maintenance failures we see:

• Brake failures – Especially on long descents from higher elevations
• Tire blowouts – Heat and heavy loads cause premature failure
• Lighting failures – Critical for visibility on Tyler’s rural highways
• Steering system failures – Can cause loss of control
• Coupling failures – Trailers can separate from cabs

FMCSA maintenance requirements:

• Systematic inspection and maintenance programs (49 CFR § 396.3)
• Annual inspections (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Driver pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11)

4. Improper Cargo Loading

Tyler’s economy includes significant freight from:

• Oil and gas equipment
• Manufacturing components
• Agricultural products
• Retail inventory for East Texas stores

Improper loading causes:

• Rollover accidents – When cargo shifts on curves
• Jackknife accidents – When unbalanced loads affect braking
• Cargo spills – Creating road hazards for other vehicles
• Overweight vehicles – Reducing stopping ability

FMCSA cargo securement requirements (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be secured to prevent movement
• Working load limits must meet specific standards
• Special rules for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, etc.)

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Tyler’s commercial areas have many intersections where trucks must make wide turns. These accidents occur when:

• Truck swings left before making a right turn
• Smaller vehicle enters the gap created
• Truck completes turn, crushing the vehicle

Common locations in Tyler:

• The intersection of Loop 323 and Old Jacksonville Highway
• Highway 69 and Grande Boulevard
• Broadway Avenue and Erwin Street
• Downtown Tyler intersections

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots:

• Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
• Left Side No-Zone: From cab door backward
• Right Side No-Zone: Much larger than left side – the most dangerous

Tyler’s highway system creates many opportunities for blind spot accidents, especially during lane changes on I-20 or Highway 69.

Catastrophic Injuries from Tyler Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 lbs) and passenger vehicles (average 3,500-4,000 lbs) means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Common in Tyler accidents due to high-impact collisions
• Symptoms may not appear immediately
• Can result in permanent cognitive impairment
• Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Lifetime care costs:
  • Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

• Often required due to crushing injuries
• Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000+ each
• Require replacement throughout lifetime
• Significant psychological impact

Severe Burns

• Common in fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries required
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma

Wrongful Death

• Tyler families can recover:
  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

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

Who Is Liable in Your Tyler Trucking Accident?

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, MULTIPLE parties may share liability:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent driving (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading or hazardous cargo
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
5. The Truck Manufacturer – For defective components
6. The Parts Manufacturer – For defective brakes, tires, etc.
7. The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
8. The Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. The Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment
10. Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions

Our Tyler trucking accident lawyers investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS FAST. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical evidence that disappears quickly:

• ECM/Black Box Data – Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Data – May be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Physical Evidence – Truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
• Witness Memory – Fades significantly within weeks

Our immediate actions:

1. Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to all potentially liable parties
2. Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records, driver files
3. Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal
4. Obtain police reports and 911 call recordings
5. Canvass for surveillance footage from nearby businesses
6. Interview witnesses before memories fade
7. Photograph the scene and all vehicles involved
8. Hire accident reconstruction experts for complex crashes

“Evidence in Tyler 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

What Your Tyler Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors specific to Tyler’s legal landscape:

Recent trucking verdicts in Texas:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar (2021)
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022)
• $37.5 million – Trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident
• $35 million – Fort Worth trucking case (2025)

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available – and often much more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Tyler-Specific Trucking Accident Challenges

Tyler presents unique challenges for trucking accident victims:

1. Oil Field Trucking Culture

East Texas has a significant oil and gas industry presence. Oil field trucking has unique characteristics:

• Equipment hauling – Oversize, overweight loads
• Hazardous materials – Increased insurance requirements
• Remote locations – Accidents on rural roads with limited emergency response
• “Hot shot” deliveries – Time-sensitive freight creating pressure to violate HOS
• Independent contractors – Complex liability issues

2. Tyler’s Road System

Tyler’s mix of interstates, highways, and local roads creates specific hazards:

• I-20 corridor – High-speed truck traffic mixed with local drivers
• Highway 69 – Major truck route with challenging intersections
• Loop 323 – Commercial bypass with heavy truck traffic
• Downtown Tyler – Tight intersections, pedestrians, delivery trucks
• Rural roads – Limited shoulders, poor lighting, wildlife hazards

3. Local Medical Facilities

After a trucking accident, you may be treated at:

• UT Health Tyler
• Christus Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
• Tyler Regional Rehabilitation Hospital
• East Texas Medical Center

We work with local medical providers to ensure you receive proper care while building your case.

4. Tyler’s Legal Environment

• Smith County courts – Where your case may be filed
• 2-year statute of limitations – For personal injury claims
• Modified comparative negligence – Recovery reduced by your % of fault (barred if >50%)
• No cap on non-economic damages – Unlike some states

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Tyler Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Our firm has handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various commercial trucking companies

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.”
— AMAZIAH A.T., Attorney911 Client

2. Federal Court Experience

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

3. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years on the other side – now he’s on YOUR side.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

5. Local Tyler Knowledge

We know Tyler’s:

• Trucking corridors and dangerous intersections
• Local courts and judges
• Medical providers and treatment options
• Insurance adjusters and their tactics
• Jury pool characteristics

6. Bilingual Services

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

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

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Tyler

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Tyler, take these steps:

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 of all vehicles, damage, road conditions
4. Get trucking company information – Name, DOT number, driver info
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact details
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

DO NOT:

• Admit fault or apologize
• Sign anything from the trucking company
• Accept quick settlement offers
• Post about the accident on social media
• Delay medical treatment

Common Questions About Tyler Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company and driver information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Tyler hospitals like UT Health Tyler and Christus Mother Frances can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Tyler?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

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

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Tyler?

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)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

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. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

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.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Tyler?

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.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Tyler?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

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. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

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.

Tyler Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims:

“$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement”
“$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement”
“$2.5M – Truck Crash Recovery”
“Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases”
“$50+ Million recovered for Texas families”

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

Contact Tyler’s Trucking Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Tyler, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Tyler trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Don’t wait – evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call us today.