Crane County Truck Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Victims in the Heart of the Permian Basin

The landscape of Crane County is defined by the relentless rhythm of the oilfield. On highways like US-385 and State Highway 329, the sound of 80,000-pound 18-wheelers, frac sand haulers, and produced water tankers is constant. These massive vehicles are the lifeblood of our local economy, but when safety is sacrificed for speed or profit, they become the most dangerous objects on our roads. If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler wreck or a commercial vehicle crash in Crane County, you aren’t just dealing with an insurance claim. You’re in a battle against corporate giants with unlimited resources.

We are Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello. Since 1998, our firm has stood as a shield for Texas families against the largest trucking and oil companies in the world. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and amputations. Our team brings a unique advantage to your case: associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working in insurance defense. He knows the playbook they use to minimize your pain, and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

We understand that a truck accident in Crane County changes everything in an instant. The physical pain is overwhelming, the medical bills are mounting, and the uncertainty of your future weighs heavy. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler on the outskirts of town or a distracted oilfield hot shot driver on a narrow lease road, we are here to help you recover every dime you deserve.

Why 18-Wheeler Wrecks in Crane County Require Elite Legal Representation

A crash between a passenger car and a commercial truck is never a fair fight. A typical car weighs around 4,000 pounds, while a fully loaded semi-truck in Crane County can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When these two forces collide, the physics are devastating. The kinetic energy transferred to your vehicle is enough to cause life-altering damage, even at low speeds.

In Crane County, the risks are amplified by our unique environment. Between the heavy dust storms that can reduce visibility to zero and the constant pressure on oilfield drivers to meet production quotas, the margin for error is razor-thin. Trucking companies know this, which is why they have rapid-response teams on the ground before the ambulance even leaves the scene. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line by disappearing evidence and twisting the narrative.

Our job is to stop them. We move just as fast, sending out formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours to preserve the truck’s “black box” data, the driver’s electronic logs, and in-cab camera footage. As Chad Harris, one of our clients, noted, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with that level of personal commitment because we know exactly what is at stake for your family.

Federal Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence in Crane County

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. These rules, known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), exist to protect families in Crane County from the inherent dangers of heavy trucks. When a trucking company or driver violates these laws, it provides the foundation for our negligence claim.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is a leading cause of truck wrecks in West Texas. Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers are restricted to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. In the Permian Basin, we frequently see drivers pressured to “push through” these limits to keep a frac spread running or to deliver oilfield equipment on an impossible schedule. When we subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, we often find that the driver was operating while dangerously exhausted.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Not everyone belongs behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound machine. Trucking companies are required to maintain a Driver Qualification File (DQF) for every person they employ. This includes background checks, driving records, and medical certifications. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, the company must ensure the driver is physically fit and has the necessary skills. If a company hires a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations, we hold them accountable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Safety Equipment

A mechanical failure on US-385 can be a death sentence. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance for every commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Part 393 dictates specific standards for brakes, tires, and lighting. If a truck has worn-out brake pads or a bald tire that blowouts at highway speed, the trucking company is liable for failing to maintain a safe vehicle.

Common Types of Truck Accidents on Crane County Roads

Every trucking accident has a specific mechanical cause, and understanding the physics of the crash is essential for building a winning case. We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what went wrong in the moments before impact.

Jackknife Accidents in West Texas

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out perpendicular to the cab. This is common during sudden braking on Highway 329 or when a driver takes a curve too fast near the Pecos River. At Attorney911, we investigate whether the driver was speeding for the conditions or if an empty trailer made the vehicle more prone to swinging out across all lanes of traffic.

Rollover Crashes on Lease Roads

Rollovers are unfortunately common in Crane County’s oilfield. High centers of gravity, sloshing liquid in water tankers, and shifting cargo on flatbeds can cause a truck to tip onto its side. These accidents are often fatal and frequently involve cargo spills. We look into whether the cargo was improperly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100 or if the driver’s inexperience led to an overcorrection.

Rear-End Collisions and Stopping Distances

The average car at 65 mph needs about 300 feet to stop. An 18-wheeler needs over 525 feet—nearly two full football fields. When a distracted truck driver on Highway 385 fails to notice traffic slowing down, the resulting rear-end collision can flatten a passenger vehicle. We use the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to prove exactly when the driver hit the brakes—if they hit them at all.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

Crane County intersections weren’t always designed for the massive trucks serving today’s oilfield. Drivers making wide turns often swing left to turn right, creating a dangerous gap. Many unsuspecting drivers are crushed in this “squeeze play.” We hold companies accountable for failing to use proper signaling and failing to check their mirrors.

The clock is ticking on your evidence. In Crane County, black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need an attorney who moves faster than the trucking company. Call 888-ATTY-911 today for a free, no-risk consultation. Hablamos Español.

Oilfield Trucking: A Unique Category of Risk in Crane County

Because Crane County sits squarely within the Permian Basin, oilfield trucking is a primary focus of our firm. These aren’t standard 18-wheelers carrying consumer goods; they are specialized industrial machines hauling crude oil, hazardous chemicals, and massive pieces of drilling equipment.

Produced Water and Saltwater Disposal Haulers

Produced water trucks are among the most common and dangerous vehicles in the county. These tankers are often operated by small contractors who cut corners on maintenance. The liquid within these tanks shifts constantly, creating unpredictable handling. We’ve handled cases where overloaded water tankers lost control on FM roads, causing catastrophic rollovers.

Frac Sand Pneumatic Trailers

The sheer volume of sand required for modern fracking means hundreds of sand trucks move through Crane County daily. These drivers often work brutal 14-hour shifts, rotating through 24/7 schedules. When a sand hauler falls asleep at the wheel on a two-lane county road, the sheer weight of the vehicle ensures that anyone in its path faces life-shattering injuries.

Crude Oil Tankers and HAZMAT Hazards

Hauling crude oil is a massive responsibility. Under 49 CFR Part 397, these vehicles must follow strict route requirements and carry $5 million in liability insurance. If a crude tanker is involved in an accident, the risk of fire, explosion, and toxic inhalation is extreme. We understand the dual-jurisdiction of these cases, where both FMCSA and OSHA regulations may apply.

Crew Van and Hot Shot Transports

It isn’t just the large trucks that cause damage. Oilfield crew vans (often 15-passenger vans) and hot shot delivery pickups are constantly darting between wellsites. Many of these vehicles are poorly maintained and driven by workers who have already put in 12 hours of manual labor. If you were hit by a crew van near a wellsite, the oil company that hired that crew may be just as liable as the driver.

Corporate Giants and the Modern Logistics Maze

In addition to oilfield entities, Crane County roads are shared with corporate fleets from companies like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. These cases involve a different level of legal complexity.

Suing Walmart and UPS: The Self-Insured Challenge

Companies like Walmart and UPS are often self-insured, meaning they pay for your injuries out of their own corporate treasury rather than a standard insurance policy. This makes them much more aggressive in fighting your claim. They use in-house legal teams to bury victims in paperwork. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years going head-to-head with these Fortune 500 corporations. We aren’t intimidated by their fleet of lawyers.

Piercing the Amazon and FedEx Ground contractor Shield

Amazon and FedEx Ground often claim they aren’t responsible for accidents because the drivers are “independent contractors.” Amazon uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to try and create a liability shield. We know how to pierce this shield by using the “Right-to-Control” test. We prove that because Amazon sets the routes, monitors the driver with Netradyne cameras, and dictates delivery quotas, they are legally responsible for the driver’s negligence.

Holding Food and Beverage Distributors Accountable

Companies like Sysco, US Foods, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo operate huge regional fleets that make frequent stops in the more populated areas of Crane County. These trucks often double-park or create hazards during deliveries. When a distributor prioritizes their delivery schedule over your safety, we make them pay for every dime of your damages.

Did you know that our firm includes an attorney who used to defend insurance companies? Lupe Peña knows their secrets, their negotiation tactics, and exactly how they undervalue your pain. Let us use that insider advantage for your Crane County truck accident case. Call (888) 288-9911.

Beyond the Big Rig: Dump Trucks, Garbage Trucks, and Vans

While 18-wheelers get the headlines, other commercial vehicles in Crane County are equally dangerous. A loaded dump truck or concrete mixer is every bit as lethal as a tractor-trailer.

Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Wrecks

Crane County is constantly under construction to support the infrastructure needs of the oil patch. Dump trucks hauling caliche, gravel, or dirt are frequently overloaded to increase profit. When an overloaded dump truck hits a car on a soft shoulder, the results are catastrophic. We investigate the construction company, the hauling contractor, and the operator of the worksite.

Residential Hazards: Garbage and Utility Trucks

Garbage trucks operate in our neighborhoods, often in the early morning darkness when children are preparing for school. With massive blind spots and constant backing, these trucks are high-risk. We also represent those hit by utility “bucket” trucks or delivery box trucks that aren’t CDL-required but still weigh 20,000+ pounds.

Rental Truck Accidents: The Trained vs. Untrained Gap

One of the most terrifying risks on our roads is a 26-foot U-Haul or Penske truck driven by someone with zero experience. You don’t need a commercial license to rent a truck the size of a bus. When an untrained driver misjudges braking distance or a turn in Crane County, the rental company can sometimes be held liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.

The Human Cost: Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

For us, this isn’t just about the law; it’s about the people. We’ve seen firsthand how a truck wreck can tear a family’s life apart. We focus on recovering the compensation you need for the most serious, life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

In a heavy truck collision, your brain can impact the interior of your skull with massive force. Even a “minor” concussion can lead to permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range for TBI victims, ensuring they have the resources for lifelong neurological care.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A crushed vertebrae or a severed spinal cord means a lifetime of adjustment. Whether the injury results in paraplegia or quadriplegia, the costs are astronomical. We fight for settlements between $4.7M and $25.8M for spinal injuries to cover 24/7 care, home modifications, and specialized medical equipment.

Traumatic Amputations

The crushing weight of an oilfield pump truck or a jackknifed trailer often results in the loss of a limb. This isn’t just a physical loss; it’s the loss of a career and a way of life. Our firm has recovered between $1.9M and $8.6M for amputation victims, helping them afford the best prosthetics and physical therapy available.

Chemical and Thermal Burns

When a crude oil tanker ruptured or a HAZMAT carrier spills, fire is a constant threat. Reconstructive surgeries and skin grafts can take years. We also handle chemical burns from produced water or hydrochloric acid used in well completions. We understand the physical and psychological toll of scarring and disfigurement.

Wrongful Death: Protecting Your Family’s Legacy

When a trucking accident takes a life, there is no way to truly make it right. But under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents can pursue a wrongful death claim. We’ve recovered between $1.9M and $9.5M for grieving families in Crane County. While we can’t bring your loved one back, we can ensure your family is financially secure and that the company responsible is held fully accountable.

As Glenda Walker said about our firm, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” If you’re in the hospital or mourning a loss, you don’t need a lawyer who sees you as a file number. You need a fighter who sees you as family. Contact Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911.

All Liable Parties: Why We Investigate Further Than Other Firms

Most general practice lawyers will just sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that is just the surface. To maximize your recovery, we perform a deep-dive investigation into at least 16 different potentially liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: Under vicarious liability and for negligent hiring and training.
3. The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous conditions on the lease or hiring unsafe contractors.
4. The Cargo Owner: If the type or weight of the cargo contributed to the crash.
5. The Loading Company: For failing to properly secure the load under FMCSR standards.
6. The Maintenance Company: If brake failure or a tire blowout was caused by neglected repairs.
7. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect like a failed underride guard worsened injuries.
8. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires, brakes, or steering components.
9. The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
10. The Government Entity: If poor road design or unmaintained signals in Crane County played a role.
11. The Corporate Parent: Piercing the corporate veil to find the source of the profit motive.
12. Staffing Agencies: If they provided an unqualified driver to an oilfield service company.
13. Rental Truck Companies: For putting high-weight vehicles in the hands of untrained renters.
14. Transit Agencies: For bus accidents involving public transportation.
15. Federal Government: Using the Federal Tort Claims Act for accidents involving mail trucks or military vehicles.

By identifying every responsible party, we access multiple insurance policies. This “stacking” of coverage is often the only way to ensure a multi-million dollar settlement is actually paid out.

The Insurance Defense Advantage: A Peek Inside the Playbook

Why does it matter that Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies? Because he has seen how they “value” your life. They use software algorithms to turn your suffering into a number aimed at saving them money.

They look for any “gap” in your medical treatment to argue you weren’t really hurt. They’ll scour your social media for photos of you smiling to claim you aren’t depressed or in pain. They’ll send private investigators to watch you at the grocery store. Because we know these tactics, we prepare you for them from day one. We identify the weaknesses in their case before they can exploit the weaknesses in yours.

Understanding Insurance Minimums and Damage Recovery

Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) mandates that trucking companies carry specific levels of insurance. These are much higher than standard auto policies, but they are also the absolute bare minimum.

• General Freight: $750,000
• Oil and Petroleum: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000

In a catastrophic injury case, $750,000 won’t even cover the first year of medical bills. That’s why our experience in finding umbrella policies, excess coverage, and corporate “solvent defendants” is so critical. We don’t just ask for the policy limits; we fight for the full value of your life’s changes.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages

We leave no stone unturned when calculating your losses.

• Economic Damages: This includes 17 categories of medical costs, lost benefits like your 401(k) match, and “loss of earning capacity”—calculating what a 30-year-old would have made over the next 35 years of their career.
• Non-Economic Damages: This is the most subjective and important part. We document your physical pain, your “loss of enjoyment of life” (like no longer being able to coach your kid’s baseball team), and your mental anguish. As Ralph Manginello explains in our “Definitive Guide to Pain and Suffering” video, this is about restoring the freedom you lost.

Think the trucking company’s insurance will treat you fairly? Think again. They’ve already hired their team. What are you doing? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free Crane County case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crane County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Crane County?

In Texas, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a government vehicle, you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim. Never wait—evidence in West Texas, like tire marks on a hot caliche road, can disappear in a single afternoon.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

As we’ve discussed, the label “independent contractor” is often a legal fiction used by big companies to avoid liability. We apply the “Right-to-Control” test to see if the company directed the driver’s work. If they did, they are liable for the damage.

Can I sue if an oilfield truck ran me off the road but didn’t hit me?

Yes. This is called a “no-contact” accident. If the truck’s aggressive driving or failure to stay in their lane forced you to wreck, they are still liable. We use dashcam footage and witness statements to prove the truck’s role in the crash.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Zero dollars upfront. We work on a residency fee—or contingency—basis. We only get paid if we win your case. We advance all the costs of hiring experts and filing lawsuits so that you can focus on your recovery without financial stress.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your total award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 10% at fault, you still receive 90% of the settlement.

Why is black box data so important?

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) doesn’t lie. While a truck driver might claim they were going the speed limit, the ECM will show if they were going 75 in a 55. It shows if they hit the cruise control and stopped paying attention. It is the single most objective piece of evidence in your case.

Does your firm handle hazardous material spills in Crane County?

Absolutely. With the constant movement of crude and chemicals in the Permian Basin, HAZMAT incidents are a major risk. These cases require a deep understanding of 49 CFR Part 172 and environmental liability laws.

Can I get a settlement for PTSD after a truck wreck?

Yes. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a medically documented injury. If you’re having nightmares, panic attacks when driving, or a complete fear of highways, those are compensable non-economic damages. We work with mental health professionals to ensure this is part of your claim.

The Attorney911 Promise: We Fight Tooth and Nail

When an 18-wheeler changes your life, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a partner who understands the high stakes of West Texas litigation. Ralph Manginello is a member of the Million Dollar Member of the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association and is admitted to the Southern District of Texas Federal Court. Our firm’s history includes involvement in major industrial disaster cases like the BP Texas City refinery litigation, proving we have the staying power to take on the world’s largest companies.

We serve Crane County not from a distance, but as advocates who know your roads, your industries, and your courts. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we are available to meet with Crane County clients at their homes or hospital beds. We never stop until we get “every dime” you deserved.

Your future shouldn’t be defined by a truck driver’s mistake. Take the first step toward justice and recovery today.

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Online: Attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español. Consulta gratis. Sin cargo a menos que ganemos. We are available 24/7 to answer your legal emergency.