18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Graham: Your Legal Emergency Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Graham, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The aftermath of a commercial truck collision is overwhelming—medical bills are piling up, your vehicle is totaled, and you may be unable to work. Meanwhile, the trucking company has already dispatched their rapid-response team to protect their interests, not yours.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our team has been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. We know the City of Graham area, its highways, and its courts. Most importantly, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence changes lives forever.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Graham Are Different

City of Graham sits in the heart of North Texas, where major trucking corridors intersect. The highways around City of Graham carry massive freight volumes daily, including:

• US Highway 380 – A critical east-west route connecting Decatur to Graham and beyond
• State Highway 67 – Connecting Graham to Mineral Wells and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• State Highway 16 – A north-south route through Young County
• FM 1801 and FM 61 – Rural routes used by local trucking operations

These roads see a mix of local delivery trucks, long-haul semis, oilfield service vehicles, and agricultural equipment. The unique traffic patterns around City of Graham create specific accident risks:

• Rural highway crossings where trucks and local traffic intersect
• Narrow two-lane roads with limited passing opportunities
• High-speed zones where trucks and passenger vehicles travel at 70+ mph
• Seasonal agricultural traffic creating temporary congestion
• Oilfield equipment moving between drilling sites

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle on these roads, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple: your 4,000-pound car is no match for a fully loaded tractor-trailer. The injuries we see from City of Graham trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Multiple fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team swings into action. Their playbook is well-practiced:

1. Send investigators to the scene to document evidence favorable to them
2. Download black box data and secure it before you can access it
3. Interview the driver to get their version of events
4. Contact witnesses to shape their testimony
5. Offer quick settlements before you understand your full damages

Their goal is to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible. Our goal is to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

Our Immediate Response Protocol

When you call Attorney911 after a City of Graham 18-wheeler accident, we take immediate action:

Within 24 hours:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve ALL evidence
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
• Obtain police accident reports
• Begin witness interviews

Within 48 hours:

• Retain accident reconstruction experts
• Subpoena ELD and GPS data
• Request driver qualification files
• Investigate the trucking company’s safety record

Within 72 hours:

• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Assess insurance coverage limits
• Develop a comprehensive case strategy

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Graham

Our experience with City of Graham trucking accidents has revealed several recurring causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The trucking industry is built on tight deadlines and long hours. Many drivers in the City of Graham area are hauling loads between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and West Texas oilfields or agricultural regions. The pressure to meet delivery schedules leads to dangerous fatigue.

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

Yet violations are rampant. We’ve seen drivers:

• Falsifying logbooks to hide overtime
• Driving 14+ hours straight with no breaks
• Working 70+ hours in 8 days
• Taking “rest” in sleeper berths while continuing to work

How we prove fatigue violations:

• Subpoena ELD data showing actual driving hours
• Obtain dispatch records showing schedule pressure
• Review cell phone records for continuous use
• Analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns

2. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

• Cell phones – Texting, calls, GPS navigation
• Dispatch communications – CB radios, Qualcomm messages
• In-cab technology – Electronic logs, entertainment systems
• External distractions – Billboards, accidents, scenery

Texas law prohibits all hand-held cell phone use while driving. Yet we routinely find drivers:

• Texting at highway speeds
• Checking GPS while in motion
• Using apps for load assignments
• Watching videos on tablets

How we prove distracted driving:

• Subpoena cell phone records
• Obtain Qualcomm messaging logs
• Analyze dashcam footage
• Review ECM data for sudden maneuvers

3. Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

City of Graham sees significant truck traffic from:

• Agricultural products – Hay, grain, livestock
• Oilfield equipment – Drilling rigs, pipe loads
• Manufactured goods – Machinery, building materials
• General freight – Consumer products, retail goods

Improper loading causes accidents when:

• Cargo shifts during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Overweight loads exceed legal limits
• Inadequate tiedowns fail during braking or turns
• Hazardous materials aren’t properly contained

How we prove cargo violations:

• Inspect cargo securement devices
• Review loading dock records
• Analyze weight station data
• Examine cargo shift patterns

4. Brake Failures and Maintenance Neglect

Brake problems cause 29% of truck accidents. In the City of Graham area, we frequently see:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks reducing stopping power
• Brake fade from overheating on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid reducing effectiveness

Trucking companies often defer maintenance to save costs. We’ve seen cases where:

• Brakes weren’t inspected for months
• Known defects weren’t repaired
• Cheap, substandard parts were used
• Maintenance records were falsified

How we prove brake failures:

• Inspect post-accident brake condition
• Obtain maintenance records
• Analyze ECM data for brake application
• Review previous inspection violations

5. Tire Blowouts

The Texas heat is brutal on truck tires. City of Graham summers regularly exceed 100°F, increasing blowout risk. Common causes:

• Underinflation causing heat buildup
• Overloading exceeding tire capacity
• Worn tread below legal minimums
• Road debris puncturing sidewalls
• Manufacturing defects in tire construction

Tire blowouts are especially dangerous when:

• The steer tire (front) blows out
• The truck is traveling at highway speeds
• The driver panics and overcorrects

How we prove tire failures:

• Preserve failed tire for analysis
• Review tire purchase and replacement records
• Check pre-trip inspection reports
• Examine weight station data

6. Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck trailer. These are among the deadliest trucking accidents:

• Rear underride: Vehicle strikes the back of the trailer
• Side underride: Vehicle impacts the side of the trailer during turns or lane changes

City of Graham intersections like US 380 and SH 67 are particularly dangerous for underride accidents. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, we still see:

• Missing or damaged guards
• Guards that don’t meet impact standards
• Trailers with no side guards (not required by law)

How we prove underride failures:

• Inspect underride guard condition
• Analyze crash dynamics
• Review guard installation records
• Test guard effectiveness

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In 18-wheeler accidents, multiple parties may share liability:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use)
• Fatigued driving (HOS violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Improper cargo securement

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The company may 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
• Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS

Under respondeat superior, the company is also liable for the driver’s negligence when acting within the scope of employment.

3. Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unsafe deadlines

4. Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failing to train loaders

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in vehicles or components
• Manufacturing defects causing failures
• Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that make specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for defects.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Failure to check carrier safety records

9. Government Entities

In rare cases, government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage

The Evidence That Wins Your Case

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Here’s what we preserve and how we use it:

1. Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data:

• Records speed before and during the crash
• Shows brake application timing
• Captures throttle position
• Records fault codes for mechanical issues

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:

• Proves hours of service violations
• Shows GPS location history
• Documents driving time and breaks

Telematics/GPS Data:

• Provides real-time speed and location
• Shows route history
• Documents driver behavior

2. Driver Records

Driver Qualification File:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training records

Hours of Service Records:

• Daily logs (paper or electronic)
• Supporting documents (fuel receipts, toll records)
• Dispatch instructions

Cell Phone Records:

• Call logs
• Text message records
• Data usage timestamps

3. Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records:

• Preventative maintenance schedules
• Repair orders
• Parts replacement history
• Brake adjustment records

Inspection Reports:

• Pre-trip inspections
• Post-trip reports
• Annual inspection records
• Roadside inspection violations

Cargo Documentation:

• Bills of lading
• Loading diagrams
• Weight tickets
• Securement device specifications

4. Company Records

Safety Policies:

• Driver training manuals
• Safety meeting records
• Accident response procedures

Dispatch Records:

• Trip assignments
• Delivery schedules
• Communication logs

Safety Records:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Out-of-service violations
• Previous accident history

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in City of Graham Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull due to sudden deceleration or impact. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Lifetime costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete injury: Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are crushed or severed in the accident or must be surgically removed due to severe damage.

Ongoing needs:

• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Hazmat cargo spills
• Electrical fires
• Friction burns from road contact

Burn classifications:

• First degree: Epidermis only
• Second degree: Epidermis and dermis
• Third degree: Full thickness
• Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Treatment may require:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin grafts
• Long-term pain management
• Psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium (companionship)
• Loss of parental guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

What Your Case Is Worth

Trucking cases have higher potential values than typical car accidents because:

1. Higher insurance limits – Federal law requires $750,000 minimum coverage (often $1-5 million)
2. Multiple liable parties – More defendants means more insurance coverage
3. Catastrophic injuries – Severe injuries justify higher damages
4. Punitive damages – Available when companies act with gross negligence

Types of Damages Available

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

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

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

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

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Awarded when the trucking company acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While these aren’t our cases, they show what juries are awarding:

• $730 million – Texas (2021) – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 million – Texas (2022) – Werner settlement for two children killed
• $462 million – Missouri (2024) – Underride decapitation
• $160 million – Alabama (2024) – Rollover left driver quadriplegic
• $141.5 million – Florida (2023) – Defunct carrier case

In Texas, there is no cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• 2x economic damages + $750,000 non-economic, OR
• $200,000

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Graham Trucking Case

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against the largest trucking companies in America.

2. Federal Court Admission

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases.

3. Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

4. Local Knowledge of City of Graham

We understand:

• The unique trucking corridors around City of Graham
• The local courts and judges
• The accident patterns on US 380, SH 67, and rural routes
• The types of truck traffic in the area (agricultural, oilfield, general freight)

5. Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for an amputation case
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

6. Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in City of Graham

At the Scene

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Damage to your vehicle
   • The truck and trailer
   • License plates
   • Road conditions
   • Skid marks
   • Traffic signs
   • Your injuries
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Truck driver’s name and CDL number
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Do NOT give statements – Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without an attorney

In the Following Days

1. Follow up with medical care – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document your recovery – Keep a journal of:
   • Pain levels
   • Medical appointments
   • Medications
   • How injuries affect daily life
3. Preserve evidence – Save:
   • Medical records
   • Repair estimates
   • Photos and videos
   • Any communication with insurance companies
4. Contact Attorney911 – Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About City of Graham Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in City of Graham?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

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

No. 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 is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on:

• 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 limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Will my 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.

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. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but if you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything.

How long does a trucking accident case 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.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We identify all potentially liable parties, including:

• The truck driver
• Cargo owners
• Loading companies
• Maintenance providers
• Freight brokers
• Manufacturers

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants may have insurance coverage.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Texas follows modified comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of damages
• If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver is an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies.

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

We can help you:

• Use your health insurance
• Find doctors who will treat on a lien basis
• Access medical funding options

What if the truck’s black box data was destroyed?

Trucking companies have a legal duty to preserve evidence once they’re on notice of potential litigation. If they destroy evidence, courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your City of Graham 18-wheeler accident case, you’re getting:

✅ 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
✅ Federal court admission for complex cases
✅ A former insurance defense attorney on your side
✅ Local knowledge of City of Graham courts and highways
✅ Aggressive investigation with immediate evidence preservation
✅ Multi-million dollar results for trucking accident victims
✅ Spanish language services with no interpreters needed
✅ No fee unless we win – you pay nothing upfront
✅ 24/7 availability – we answer trucking accident calls immediately

Don’t Wait – Your Evidence Is Disappearing

Every hour you wait, critical evidence in your City of Graham trucking accident case is at risk:

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness memories fade quickly
• Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed
• Trucking companies are already building their defense

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and begin building your case.

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

You’re not just another case number to us. You’re family. When an 18-wheeler changes your life forever, you need a lawyer who treats you like family. That’s Attorney911.

1-888-ATTY-911 | 24/7 | Free Consultation | No Fee Unless We Win