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

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Trent, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks—up to 80,000 pounds—means accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, lifelong disabilities, or even wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. Let us put that experience to work for you.

Why Trent’s Highways Are High-Risk for Truck Accidents

Trent sits at a critical juncture in Taylor County, where major trucking corridors intersect. The town is served by key highways including:

• US Highway 83/84 – This major north-south route carries heavy commercial traffic between Abilene and Sweetwater, including oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and cross-country freight.
• FM 1085 – Connects Trent to nearby towns and serves as a feeder route for regional truck traffic.
• I-20 – Just 15 miles to the south, this interstate carries massive east-west freight traffic between Dallas/Fort Worth and West Texas oilfields.

These roads see a constant flow of 18-wheelers transporting everything from oilfield equipment to consumer goods. The mix of local traffic and long-haul trucks creates dangerous conditions, especially during:

• Morning and evening rush hours when local commuters share the road with fatigued long-haul drivers
• Harvest seasons when agricultural trucks add to congestion
• Oilfield boom periods when equipment haulers increase dramatically
• Severe weather events common in West Texas, including sudden dust storms and flash flooding

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make them uniquely dangerous:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than a passenger vehicle
• At 65 mph, a truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• The average car only needs 300 feet to stop from the same speed
• This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly as cars

When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic:

Common Catastrophic Injuries in Trent Trucking Accidents

The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Trent

1. Jackknife Accidents

What happens: The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.

Why they’re dangerous: These accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups, especially on Trent’s two-lane highways where there’s no escape route.

Common causes in Trent:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (common in West Texas winter storms)
• Speeding on curves approaching town
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

2. Underride Collisions

What happens: A passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof.

Why they’re deadly: These accidents frequently result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Two types in Trent:

• Rear underride: When a car strikes the back of a trailer
• Side underride: When a car strikes the side of a trailer during turns or lane changes

Federal requirements: Trailers must have rear impact guards, but no federal requirement exists for side underride guards—despite their proven effectiveness.

3. Rollover Accidents

What happens: The truck tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo across the roadway.

Why they’re dangerous: These accidents frequently block all lanes of traffic and create secondary collisions.

Common causes in Trent:

• Speeding on curves (especially on Highway 83/84’s gentle bends)
• Top-heavy loads (common with oilfield equipment)
• Sudden steering corrections
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions
• Improper cargo loading

4. Tire Blowouts

Why they’re common in Trent:

• Extreme West Texas heat causes tire degradation
• Long distances between truck stops lead to underinflation
• Road debris from oilfield equipment and agricultural vehicles
• Worn tires not replaced due to cost-cutting

Danger: A steer tire blowout (front wheels) can cause immediate loss of control. Even rear tire blowouts create dangerous debris that can strike following vehicles.

5. Brake Failures

Why they happen in Trent:

• Long descents on rural highways cause brake fade
• Poor maintenance due to cost-cutting
• Improper brake adjustments
• Worn brake components not replaced

Statistics: Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes according to the FMCSA.

6. Cargo Spills and Shifts

Common in Trent due to:

• Oilfield equipment not properly secured
• Agricultural products (cotton, grain) shifting during transit
• Improper loading by third-party loading companies
• Inadequate tiedowns or worn securement devices

Danger: Shifting cargo can destabilize the truck, while spilled cargo creates road hazards for other vehicles.

7. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

The four danger zones:

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: From cab door backward (smaller)
4. Right Side No-Zone: From cab door backward (much larger—most dangerous)

Why they’re common in Trent:

• Rural highways with fewer lanes make blind spot accidents more likely
• Trucks making wide turns at intersections
• Drivers changing lanes without proper mirror checks

8. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

What happens: Trucks swing wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Why they’re common in Trent:

• Trucks turning into gas stations and truck stops
• Wide turns at rural intersections
• Drivers not checking mirrors during turns
• Failure to signal properly

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Trent Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Trent Trucking Case

1. The Truck Driver

   • 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

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

   • Vicarious liability for driver’s negligence
   • Negligent hiring (failing to check driver’s background)
   • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
   • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
   • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
   • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

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

4. The Cargo Loading Company

   • Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
   • Unbalanced load distribution
   • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
   • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

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

6. Parts Manufacturer

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

7. Maintenance Company

   • 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 Broker

   • 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. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

10. Government Entity

    • 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 Critical Evidence in Your Trent Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. The trucking company’s rapid-response team begins protecting their interests within hours. You must act fast.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Within 24-48 hours of your accident, we send spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance company
• All potentially liable third parties

This letter demands preservation of:

• Electronic Data:

  • ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
  • ELD records (hours of service data)
  • GPS and telematics data
  • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
  • Dispatch communications and messaging
  • Cell phone records and text messages

• Driver Records:

  • Complete Driver Qualification File
  • Employment application and resume
  • Background check and driving record
  • Medical certification and exam records
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records and certifications
  • Previous accident and violation history

• Vehicle Records:

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

• Company Records:

  • Hours of service records for 6 months prior
  • Dispatch logs and trip records
  • Bills of lading and cargo documentation
  • Safety policies and procedures
  • Training curricula
  • Hiring and supervision policies

• Physical Evidence:

  • The truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed or damaged components
  • Cargo and securement devices
  • Tire remnants if blowout involved

Why This Evidence Wins Cases

The FMCSA Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations exist to protect the public from dangerous trucking practices. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.

The 6 Critical FMCSA Regulation Parts

1. Part 390: General Applicability

• Defines who must comply with federal trucking regulations
• Covers all vehicles with GVWR over 10,001 lbs
• Applies to all drivers of commercial motor vehicles

2. Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Minimum qualifications for drivers:

• At least 21 years old (interstate) or 18 years old (intrastate)
• Can read and speak English sufficiently
• Physically qualified under § 391.41
• Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Completed road test or equivalent

Driver Qualification File must include:

• Employment application
• Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for max 2 years)
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Why this matters for your Trent case:
If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, failed to check the driver’s background, or hired a driver with a poor safety record, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

3. Part 392: Driving Rules

Key prohibitions:

• Fatigued driving: No driver shall operate while impaired by fatigue
• Drugs and alcohol: No driver shall be on duty while under the influence
• Speeding: No motor carrier shall schedule runs requiring excessive speed
• Following too closely: Must maintain safe following distance
• Mobile phone use: Prohibited while driving

Why this matters:
These regulations make both the driver AND the trucking company liable when violations cause accidents.

4. Part 393: Vehicle Safety Standards

Cargo securement requirements:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, 0.5g lateral
• Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, etc.)

Brake requirements:

• All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems
• Service brakes on all wheels
• Parking/emergency brake system
• Air brake systems must meet specific requirements

Lighting requirements:

• Headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps
• Clearance and side marker lamps
• Reflectors and retroreflective sheeting
• Turn signal lamps

5. Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

The most commonly violated regulations:

Why this matters for your Trent case:
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

6. Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Requirements:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all vehicles
• Driver pre-trip inspections covering 10+ systems
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Maintenance records must be retained for 1 year

Why this matters:
Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.

The Insurance Coverage Available in Your Trent Trucking Case

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

What this means for your Trent case:
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. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

1. Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

   • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
   • Lost wages and income
   • Lost earning capacity (if unable to return to work)
   • Property damage
   • Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
   • Life care costs (ongoing care for catastrophic injuries)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

   • Pain and suffering
   • Mental anguish
   • Loss of enjoyment of life
   • Disfigurement
   • Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
   • Physical impairment

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

   • Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety
   • Examples: falsifying logs, destroying evidence, pattern of safety violations

What Your Trent Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but recent verdicts and settlements demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

Recent Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts

Typical Settlement Ranges for Trent Trucking Cases

Factors that increase case value:

• Clear liability (trucking company at fault)
• Severe, permanent injuries
• High medical expenses (past and future)
• Significant lost earning capacity
• Evidence of gross negligence
• Available insurance coverage
• Strong evidence of violations

The Legal Process for Your Trent Trucking Accident Case

Step 1: Free Consultation (Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911)

• We evaluate your case at no cost
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Answer all your questions
• No obligation to proceed

Step 2: Case Acceptance and Investigation

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Begin immediate evidence preservation
• Obtain police report and witness statements
• Photograph your injuries and medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before repairs

Step 3: Evidence Gathering

• Subpoena ECM/Black Box data
• Obtain ELD records
• Request complete Driver Qualification File
• Obtain maintenance and inspection records
• Review drug and alcohol test results
• Analyze cell phone records
• Secure dashcam footage if available

Step 4: Medical Care Facilitation

• Connect you with appropriate medical providers
• Ensure proper documentation of all injuries
• Arrange treatment even before settlement pays
• Develop comprehensive life care plan for catastrophic injuries

Step 5: Demand Letter

• Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
• Prepare comprehensive demand package
• Send formal demand to insurance company

Step 6: Negotiation

• Reject lowball offers
• Present evidence of liability and damages
• Negotiate from position of strength
• Prepare for litigation if necessary

Step 7: Litigation (If Needed)

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Conduct aggressive discovery
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Retain expert witnesses (accident reconstruction, medical, vocational)
• Build case for trial

Step 8: Resolution

• Settlement: Most cases settle before trial
• Trial: We’re prepared to take your case to verdict
• Appeal: If necessary, we handle appeals

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Trent Trucking Case

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Litigated against Fortune 500 trucking operations
• Secured compensation for families devastated by wrongful death
• Handled complex cases involving multiple liable parties

2. Federal Court Experience

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

3. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He spent years working for a national defense firm, so he understands:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle
• How they deny claims
• The claims valuation software they use

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in building your case and negotiating your settlement.

4. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families devastated by trucking accidents. Our documented results include:

• $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. Comprehensive Trucking Case Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

• Accident Reconstruction: We hire expert engineers to analyze the crash
• Electronic Data Analysis: We extract and interpret ECM/ELD data
• Driver Background Investigation: We uncover the driver’s complete history
• Company Safety Record Review: We analyze the carrier’s CSA scores and inspection history
• Maintenance Record Analysis: We identify deferred repairs and known defects
• Cargo Securement Review: We examine loading practices and tiedown adequacy

6. Aggressive Litigation Approach

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 litigation advantages include:

• Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
• Experience with complex multi-party litigation
• Access to top expert witnesses
• Federal court capability
• No fear of taking on large corporations

7. Compassionate Client Service

We understand the trauma you’re experiencing. Our clients consistently praise our:

• Personal attention: “They treated me like FAMILY” – Chad Harris
• Communication: “Never one time did I call and not get a clear answer” – Dame Haskett
• Results: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved” – Glenda Walker
• Speed: “Solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years” – Angel Walle
• Compassion: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me” – Stephanie Hernandez

8. Bilingual Services for Trent’s Hispanic Community

Trent has a significant Hispanic population, and many 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 al 1-888-ATTY-911.

9. No Fee Unless We Win

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.

The Urgency of Your Trent Trucking Case

EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS FAST. The trucking company’s rapid-response team begins protecting their interests within hours of an accident. Critical evidence can be lost forever if you don’t act immediately:

• ECM/Black Box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records may be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade significantly within weeks
• Physical evidence may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
• Drug/alcohol tests must be conducted within specific windows

The insurance adjuster is already working against you. They’re trained to minimize your claim. Anything you say will be used to reduce your settlement.

The trucking company has lawyers protecting them. You need someone protecting you.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Trent Trucking Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately.

2. Call the Police and File a Report

Texas law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven. A police report creates an official record of the accident.

3. Document Everything

• Photograph all vehicle damage (interior and exterior)
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photograph your injuries
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Note weather and road conditions

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911

The sooner you call, the sooner we can:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Begin our investigation
• Protect your rights
• Connect you with appropriate medical care
• Handle all communications with insurance companies

Trent-Specific Considerations

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

If you’re seriously injured in a Trent trucking accident, you’ll likely be transported to one of these facilities:

• Hendrick Medical Center (Abilene) – Level III Trauma Center, 30 miles from Trent
• Abilene Regional Medical Center – Full-service hospital with emergency department
• Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo) – Level III Trauma Center, 70 miles from Trent

Local Courts Serving Trent

Trucking accident lawsuits in Trent are typically filed in:

• Taylor County District Court (for cases over $200,000)
• Taylor County Court at Law (for cases under $200,000)
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (for interstate trucking cases)

Local Trucking Industry Factors

Trent’s location creates unique trucking accident risks:

• Oilfield traffic: Heavy equipment haulers serving the Permian Basin
• Agricultural trucking: Cotton, grain, and livestock haulers
• Long-haul fatigue: Drivers passing through Trent on cross-country routes
• Mixed traffic: Local vehicles sharing roads with large commercial trucks
• Weather hazards: Sudden dust storms, flash flooding, winter ice

Common Trucking Companies Operating in Trent

While we cannot name specific companies involved in Trent accidents, these major carriers operate in the region:

• National carriers with terminals in Abilene and San Angelo
• Regional carriers serving West Texas
• Oilfield service companies transporting equipment
• Agricultural haulers moving cotton, grain, and livestock
• Local distribution companies serving Trent businesses

Frequently Asked Questions About Trent Trucking Accidents

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

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

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. Trent hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

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

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 Trent?

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.

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

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• 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.

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

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

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

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

What 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—similar to an airplane’s black box. 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 Trent?

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. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Trent, Texas, every hour you wait puts your case at risk. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already working against you. The trucking company has lawyers protecting them. You need someone protecting you.

At Attorney911, we offer:

• Free consultations – No cost to evaluate your case
• 24/7 availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately
• No fee unless we win – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
• 25+ years of experience – Fighting trucking companies across Texas
• Federal court capability – For interstate trucking cases
• Former insurance defense attorney – Who knows their tactics from the inside
• Bilingual services – Hablamos Español

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our Trent trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve critical evidence. We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company. We’ll connect you with appropriate medical care. And we’ll build the strongest possible case to maximize your compensation.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now.

“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

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