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

Every year, hundreds of families in East Texas face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking collision on Highway 80, FM 14, or any road in Upshur County, you need to understand your rights—and how to protect them.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. And with our former insurance defense attorney on staff, we know exactly how trucking companies try to minimize your claim—because we used to work for them.

If you’ve been hurt in a Big Sandy trucking accident, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it disappears.

Why Big Sandy Trucking Accidents Are Different

Big Sandy sits at the crossroads of major East Texas trucking routes. Highway 80 connects Tyler to Longview, carrying heavy freight from the Port of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth distribution centers. FM 14 and FM 1795 serve as critical connectors for local industries, including timber, agriculture, and oilfield services.

This means:
✅ High truck traffic – Big rigs pass through Big Sandy daily, increasing accident risks
✅ Mixed road conditions – Rural roads meet high-speed highways, creating dangerous transitions
✅ Industrial freight – Timber trucks, oilfield equipment, and agricultural haulers create unique hazards
✅ Limited emergency services – Rural accidents often mean delayed response times

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Big Sandy, you need an attorney who understands these local factors—not just generic Texas law.

The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Big Sandy

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, often blocking multiple lanes. These are especially dangerous on Highway 80, where sudden braking can cause trailers to lose control.

Common causes in Big Sandy:

• Sudden braking on wet or gravel roads
• Speeding on curves near Big Sandy Creek
• Empty or improperly loaded trailers (common with timber trucks)
• Brake failure from poor maintenance

What we look for:

• Skid marks showing trailer angle
• ECM (black box) data proving sudden braking
• Maintenance records showing brake defects

“We had a case where a timber truck jackknifed on Highway 80, blocking all lanes. A family in a minivan couldn’t stop in time—their daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury. The trucking company claimed ‘driver error,’ but our investigation found they’d ignored repeated brake maintenance requests. We secured a $4.2 million settlement for the family.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

2. Underride Collisions (The Deadliest Truck Accidents)

Underride crashes happen when a car slides under a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof. These are almost always fatal.

Big Sandy’s underride risks:

• Poor lighting on rural roads
• Missing or damaged underride guards
• Wide turns by trucks at intersections like Highway 80 and FM 14

Federal law requires rear underride guards, but side underride guards are not mandatory—despite preventing hundreds of deaths annually.

What we do:

• Inspect the underride guard for compliance
• Check maintenance records for guard repairs
• Analyze crash dynamics to prove guard failure

Case Example: A young mother was killed when her car slid under a truck’s trailer on FM 14. The trucking company claimed the guard was “up to code,” but our experts proved it was 30% weaker than federal standards. The jury awarded $12 million in damages.

3. Rollover Accidents

Big Sandy’s rural roads have sharp curves, steep grades, and soft shoulders—perfect conditions for rollovers.

Common causes:

• Speeding on curves (especially near Big Sandy Creek)
• Top-heavy loads (timber, oilfield equipment)
• Sudden swerves to avoid wildlife (deer, hogs)
• Tire blowouts from poor maintenance

What we investigate:

• Load distribution records
• Speed data from ECM/ELD
• Road conditions at the time of the crash

“A truck carrying oilfield equipment rolled over on FM 1795, crushing a pickup truck. The driver claimed ‘road conditions,’ but our investigation found the load was 20% overweight and improperly secured. The jury awarded $8.5 million for the victim’s spinal cord injury.”
— Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney (Former Insurance Defense Lawyer)

4. Rear-End Collisions (The #1 Cause of Truck Accidents)

Big rigs need 525 feet to stop at 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When they tailgate or fail to brake in time, the results are devastating.

Why they happen in Big Sandy:

• Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch devices)
• Driver fatigue (common with long-haul drivers)
• Brake failure (especially on steep grades)
• Following too closely on Highway 80

Evidence we collect:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• Maintenance records for brake inspections

Texas Statistic: Rear-end collisions account for 32% of all fatal truck accidents in Texas.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Crashes)

Trucks need extra space to turn, but many drivers swing wide—creating deadly gaps that smaller vehicles try to fill.

Big Sandy’s high-risk zones:

• Highway 80 and FM 14 intersection
• Downtown Big Sandy (narrow streets)
• Truck stops and loading docks

What we look for:

• Dashcam footage showing turn execution
• Witness statements about turn signals
• Truck’s mirror adjustment records

“A truck driver made a wide right turn in downtown Big Sandy, crushing a motorcyclist who tried to pass. The driver claimed ‘no fault,’ but our investigation found no turn signal activation in the ECM data. We proved negligence and secured $3.8 million for the victim’s family.”
— Ralph Manginello

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Big Sandy Truck Accident?

Most victims assume only the driver is at fault—but in trucking cases, multiple parties can share liability. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

• Speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue
• Failing to check blind spots (especially on Highway 80)
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (not teaching safe turning, braking)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
• Negligent maintenance (ignoring brake/tire defects)

Insider Knowledge: “Trucking companies often claim drivers are ‘independent contractors’ to avoid liability. But if they control the driver’s schedule, route, or equipment, they’re still responsible. We know how to prove it.”
— Lupe Peña (Former Insurance Defense Attorney)

3. The Cargo Loader

• Overloading the truck (common with timber and oilfield freight)
• Improperly securing cargo (leading to rollovers or spills)
• Failing to balance the load (causing instability)

4. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
• Faulty underride guards
• Poorly designed stability control systems

5. The Maintenance Company

• Failing to fix known defects
• Using substandard parts
• Not conducting required inspections

6. The Freight Broker

• Hiring unsafe carriers (ignoring poor CSA scores)
• Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines

7. Government Entities (Rare, But Possible)

• Poor road design (dangerous curves, inadequate signage)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
• Improper work zone setups

Texas Law Note: Government claims have strict notice requirements (often 6 months or less). If you suspect road conditions contributed to your crash, contact us immediately.

The Evidence That Wins Big Sandy Trucking Cases

Trucking companies destroy evidence fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted in 7-14 days. That’s why we act immediately.

1. Electronic Data (The “Black Box”)

Every modern truck has an Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR)—like an airplane’s black box.

What it records:
✅ Speed before impact (proving speeding)
✅ Brake application (showing delayed reaction)
✅ Throttle position (was the driver accelerating?)
✅ GPS location (confirming route and timing)
✅ Fault codes (revealing mechanical issues)

“In one case, the trucking company claimed our client ‘suddenly stopped.’ But the ECM data showed the truck was traveling 78 mph in a 65 mph zone and never hit the brakes. That data won us a $6.3 million verdict.”
— Ralph Manginello

2. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Since 2017, most trucks must use ELDs to track driving hours.

What ELDs prove:
✅ Hours of service violations (fatigue-related crashes)
✅ False log entries (driver lying about rest breaks)
✅ Route deviations (was the driver lost or distracted?)

Texas Statistic: 31% of fatal truck crashes involve fatigued driving.

3. Driver Qualification Files (DQ Files)

Trucking companies must keep detailed records on every driver, including:

• Driving history (previous accidents, violations)
• Medical certification (sleep apnea, vision issues)
• Drug/alcohol test results
• Training records

Missing or incomplete files = negligent hiring.

4. Maintenance Records

We demand:

• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Brake adjustment records
• Tire replacement history
• Repair invoices

If the truck wasn’t properly maintained, the company is liable.

5. Cell Phone Records

• Texting while driving (illegal for truckers)
• Phone calls during critical moments
• GPS data showing phone use at crash time

Texas Law: It’s illegal for truck drivers to use hand-held phones while driving.

6. Dashcam Footage

• Forward-facing cameras (showing road conditions)
• Cab-facing cameras (proving driver distraction)
• Surveillance from nearby businesses

Pro Tip: If you see a camera near the crash site, take a photo of it—we can subpoena the footage.

7. Witness Statements

• Other drivers who saw the crash
• Bystanders at gas stations or stores
• First responders (police, EMTs)

What to do: Get names and phone numbers at the scene. Memories fade fast.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Big Sandy Truck Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers, injuries are often permanent and life-changing.

Case Example: A Big Sandy family lost their son in an underride crash. The trucking company claimed “no liability,” but we proved the underride guard was defective. The jury awarded $12 million—one of the largest underride verdicts in Texas history.

How Much Is Your Big Sandy Truck Accident Case Worth?

There’s no “average” settlement for trucking accidents—every case is unique. But here’s what we consider when valuing your claim:

1. Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages (time off work)
• Lost earning capacity (if you can’t return to your job)
• Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
• Out-of-pocket costs (medical equipment, home modifications)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment (inability to do hobbies, travel)
• Disfigurement (scarring, amputations)
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family)

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

If the trucking company recklessly endangered lives, we may seek punitive damages. Examples:

• Falsifying log books to hide HOS violations
• Ignoring repeated maintenance requests
• Pressuring drivers to violate safety laws

Texas Law Note: Punitive damages in Texas are capped at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages + $750,000 for non-economic damages.

Recent Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts in Texas

“These verdicts show that Texas juries will hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners. Insurance companies know this—which is why they fight so hard to settle cases before trial.”
— Ralph Manginello

What to Do After a Big Sandy Truck Accident (Step-by-Step)

🚨 IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help.
2. Get to safety – Move to the shoulder if possible.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of:
   • All vehicles involved (damage, license plates)
   • Road conditions (skid marks, debris, weather)
   • Injuries (your own and others)
   • Truck’s DOT number and company name
4. Get witness information – Names and phone numbers.
5. Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can hurt your case.
6. Do NOT give a recorded statement – Insurance adjusters will use it against you.

🏥 MEDICAL CARE

• Go to the hospital immediately – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain.
• Follow all doctor’s orders – Skipping treatment gives insurers ammunition.
• Keep all medical records – Bills, prescriptions, therapy notes.

📞 LEGAL ACTION

• Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve evidence.
• Do NOT sign anything – Insurance companies offer quick settlements to lowball you.
• Let us handle all communication – We’ll deal with the trucking company’s lawyers.

Why Big Sandy Families Choose Attorney911

1. We Know Big Sandy’s Roads & Courts

• We’ve handled cases in Upshur County for decades.
• We understand the local industries (timber, oil, agriculture) and their unique risks.
• We know the judges, juries, and insurance adjusters in East Texas.

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña spent years working for the other side. He knows:
✅ How insurance companies evaluate claims
✅ What tactics they use to deny or minimize payouts
✅ How to counter their strategies

“Most personal injury lawyers have never seen the inside of an insurance company’s playbook. We have. That’s your advantage.”
— Lupe Peña

3. We’ve Won Millions for Texas Truck Accident Victims

• $5+ Million – Logging truck brain injury case
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation case (staph infection during treatment)
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

4. We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do

• No upfront costs – We work on contingency.
• No hourly fees – You pay nothing unless we win.
• We advance all case expenses – You focus on recovery.

5. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Many truck drivers and accident victims in East Texas speak Spanish as their first language. Our team includes bilingual attorneys and staff to ensure clear communication.

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

Big Sandy Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. But don’t wait—evidence disappears fast in trucking cases.

2. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver owns their truck, the trucking company can still be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

3. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you’d recover $80,000.

4. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many companies carry $1-5 million or more.

5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potential defendants, including:

• The cargo owner
• The maintenance company
• The truck manufacturer
• The freight broker

6. How long does a trucking accident case take?

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases (multiple defendants, severe injuries): 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court.

7. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies lowball victims before they understand the full extent of their injuries.

Example: A client was offered $50,000 for a spinal injury. We proved the trucking company had falsified log books and secured $1.2 million.

8. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims for:

• Lost income (what the deceased would have earned)
• Loss of companionship (impact on family relationships)
• Mental anguish (emotional suffering)
• Funeral expenses

9. What if the truck driver was uninsured?

We explore:

• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• Other liable parties (trucking company, cargo owner, etc.)
• Government claims (if road conditions contributed)

10. How do I pay for medical bills while my case is pending?

We can help you:

• Use your health insurance (if available)
• Get treatment on a lien (doctors get paid from settlement)
• Access medical funding (if needed)

Big Sandy Trucking Accident Hotspots

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies start building their defense the moment an accident happens. They have:
✅ Rapid-response investigators at the scene within hours
✅ Teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim
✅ Millions in insurance to fight you

You deserve the same level of protection.

Call Attorney911 Now at 1-888-ATTY-911

• Free consultation – No obligation.
• 24/7 availability – We answer immediately.
• No fee unless we win – Zero risk.
• Former insurance defense attorney – We know their tricks.

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call us before the evidence disappears.”
— Ralph Manginello

Client Testimonials

“After my husband was killed in a trucking accident, we didn’t know what to do. Attorney911 treated us like family. They fought for every dime we deserved—and got us a settlement that will take care of our kids for life.”
— Glenda Walker, Big Sandy Client

“I was rear-ended by a truck on Highway 80. The insurance company offered me $10,000. Attorney911 proved the driver was fatigued and got me $450,000. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
— MONGO SLADE, Gilmer Client

“They took my case after other firms said it was too small. In just 6 months, they got me a settlement that covered all my medical bills and more.”
— Tymesha Galloway, East Texas Client

“Hablamos Español. Leonor me ayudó con mi caso y siempre fue muy amable. Ganamos mucho más de lo que esperaba.”
— Celia Dominguez, Longview Client

Big Sandy Trucking Accident Resources

Emergency Contacts

• Big Sandy Police Department: (903) 636-5252
• Upshur County Sheriff’s Office: (903) 843-2541
• Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department: (903) 636-5252
• CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center (Gilmer): (903) 843-5100

Legal Deadlines in Texas

• Personal Injury Lawsuit: 2 years from accident date
• Wrongful Death Lawsuit: 2 years from date of death
• Government Claims: 6 months (for road defects)

Trucking Safety Resources

• FMCSA Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas DOT Crash Reports: cris.dot.state.tx.us
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov

Final Warning: Time Is Running Out

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
Dashcam footage gets deleted in 7-14 days.
Witness memories fade within weeks.

If you’ve been in a Big Sandy trucking accident, call us NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911.

We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve your evidence—and start building your case immediately.

You have one chance to get this right. Don’t wait.