Dallam County Truck Accident Lawyer: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Litigation
The impact was catastrophic. On US-87 outside Dalhart, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In that heartbeat, your life in Dallam County changed forever. One moment, you were driving past the feedlots or heading through the Panhandle toward the New Mexico border; the next, you were fighting for your life in a wreckage of twisted metal. When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger car, it isn’t a fair fight. The truck is 20 times heavier than your car, and the physics of that collision are designed to destroy everything in their path.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely in pain. You’re worried about the mounting medical bills from Dallam County trauma centers, the income you’re losing while you can’t work, and the aggressive calls from insurance adjusters. You need more than a generic attorney; you need a fighter who understands the specific dangers of trucking in Dallam County. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest trucking companies and winning. Since 1998, our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, and we are ready to stand with you now.
The trucking company has already deployed a rapid-response team to the crash site in Dallam County. Their lawyers are already looking for ways to blame you. We believe you deserve a legal team that moves just as fast. At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we don’t just “handle” cases—we litigate them with a tenacity that makes insurance companies take notice. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler on US-54, a livestock trailer near a Dallam County feedlot, or a delivery van in the heart of Dalhart, our mission is to secure “every dime you deserve,” just as client Glenda Walker said after we settled her case.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us zero upfront costs and zero attorney fees unless we win your case.
Why Every Hour Matters After a Dallam County Truck Accident
Right now, while you are recovering, the evidence that could prove the truck driver was negligent is at risk. Trucking companies are sanctioned businesses that generate a mountain of electronic data, but that data has a shelf life. In Dallam County, where the dry Panhandle heat and sudden weather shifts can degrade physical evidence at a crash site, taking immediate action is the only way to protect your claim.
Our founder, Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of trucking litigation, knows that the “black box” inside that truck—the Engine Control Module or ECM—can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. If that truck is put back as part of a fleet and continues to drive through Dallam County or across state lines, the data proving the driver was speeding, failed to brake, or was driving past legal hour limits could be lost forever.
We don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours of being retained. These letters put the trucking company on legal notice: if they destroy the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) logs, the maintenance records, or the dashcam footage, they face severe sanctions in court. As client Mongo Slade shared, our team “gets right to work” to ensure your rights are protected from day one.
Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Call 888-ATTY-911 now to lock down the proof you need.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Most personal injury firms treat a truck accident like a “big car wreck.” That is a massive mistake. Trucking litigation involves complex federal regulations, layered corporate structures, and insurance policies worth millions. To win these cases in Dallam County, you need to know how the other side thinks.
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, provides our clients with a unique advantage: he used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies for major carriers evaluate, delay, and deny claims. He knows the software they use to undervalue your pain and the “scripts” adjusters use to get you to admit fault.
Today, Lupe Peña fights against those companies. He uses his insider knowledge to counter their playbook at every turn. When an adjuster calls you after a wreck on US-385 in Dallam County, they aren’t looking to help you; they are looking for a reason to pay you less. With an attorney like Lupe Peña on your side, you have someone who has seen their tactics from the inside and knows how to break them. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Texas Laws Governing Your Dallam County Truck Accident Case
Dallam County operates under Texas state law, which includes specific rules that will dictate the outcome of your case. Understanding these rules is the first step toward a successful recovery.
The Two-Year Statute of Limitations
In Texas, you generally have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to seek compensation is barred forever. While two years may seem like a long time, in a complex Dallam County trucking case involving multiple defendants—like the driver, the trucking company, and the freight broker—investigating and preparing the filing takes significant time.
Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Bar)
Texas follows a “proportionate responsibility” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If a jury finds you were 20% at fault for a collision near Dalhart, your final award will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover zero. This is exactly why trucking companies search for any reason to blame you; even a slight shift in fault can save them millions. Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades successfully fighting these “blame the victim” tactics.
Multi-Million Dollar Insurance Requirements
Because trucks cause so much damage, federal and state laws require them to carry much higher insurance limits than passenger cars. While a typical Dallam County driver might carry $30,000 in liability coverage, a commercial truck hauling non-hazardous freight must carry at least $750,000. For trucks hauling hazardous materials, that minimum jumps to $5 million. Accessing these large policies requires an attorney with federal court experience, someone like Ralph Manginello, who is admitted to the Southern District of Texas and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP.
FMCSA Regulations: How We Prove the Trucking Company Broke the Law
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for the road. When a driver or company violates these rules, it is often considered “negligence per se,” meaning the violation itself can be used to prove they were at fault. In Dallam County, where US-54 serves as a major artery for transcontinental freight, we often see the following violations:
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Driver fatigue is the silent killer on Dallam County highways. Federal law is clear: a driver can only be behind the wheel for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Yet, the pressure to deliver livestock or grain on time often leads drivers to falsify logs. We use ELD data to prove when a driver was “running illegal”—driving while exhausted and putting every family in Dallam County at risk.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. They must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every employee, including a valid CDL, a current medical certificate, and a record of annual driving reviews. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple accidents to drive through Dallam County, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
An 80,000-pound truck is only as safe as its brakes and tires. FMCSA Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. We subpoena the maintenance logs to see if the company was cutting corners. If a brake failure on a steep grade or a tire blowout on a hot Panhandle afternoon caused your crash, we will find out if the company ignored the mechanical red flags.
If you suspect a trucking company broke federal safety rules, call (888) 288-9911. We know where to find the proof.
Common Truck Accident Types in Dallam County
Every accident is unique, but the mechanics of truck crashes in the Texas Panhandle often fall into specific patterns. Our firm has the technical expertise to reconstruct these crashes and prove liability.
Jackknife Accidents on US-54
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. In Dallam County, high Panhandle winds and sudden winter ice storms frequently trigger these events. When a trailer jackknifes across US-54 or US-87, it creates a moving wall that nearby vehicles cannot avoid. We look at the ECM data to see if the driver was speeding for the weather conditions, a violation of 49 CFR § 392.14.
Feedlot and Agricultural Rollovers
Dallam County is the heart of the Texas cattle industry. Livestock trailers and grain hoppers have a high center of gravity. If a driver taking a turn near Dalhart’s industrial areas is speeding or the load is improperly secured, the entire rig can roll over. Rollovers are often fatal, crushing cars in adjacent lanes. We investigate the cargo loading companies (Party #4 in the liability chain) to see if an imbalanced load caused the instability.
Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Crash
An underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer of a truck. Because the trailer bed is at head-height for a car driver, these accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic TBI. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but they often fail, and there is still no federal requirement for side underride guards. If your family suffered an underride crash in Dallam County, we will look for defects in the guard’s design or maintenance.
Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze Plays”
Commercial trucks have massive “No-Zones” on all four sides. Many Dallam County accidents happen when a truck makes a wide right turn and “squeezes” a car against a curb or another vehicle. Drivers are trained to check their mirrors and use signals, but fatigue and distraction often get in the way. We use GPS and telematics data to show exactly what the driver was doing—or not doing—in the seconds before the impact.
Brake Failures and Tire Blowouts
When 18 tires are screaming across hot Texas asphalt, maintenance is non-negotiable. As discussed in our video guide, “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc), a blowout can cause a driver to lose all steering control instantly. If the trucking company was using “retread” tires on the steering axle or deferred brake repairs to save money, they are responsible for every injury that follows.
Corporate Fleet Accidents: Taking on the Giants
If you were hit by a Walmart truck, an Amazon van, or a FedEx vehicle in Dallam County, your case has an added layer of complexity. These aren’t just trucking companies; they are some of the largest corporations in the world.
Walmart and Self-Insured Retention
Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the U.S. Because they are self-insured for their first millions in liability, they handle claims through an internal risk management department. They are incredibly aggressive. Ralph Manginello’s experience litigating against Fortune 500 giants like BP and Walmart means he knows how to pierce their corporate veil. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims, and we aren’t intimidated by a company’s size.
The Amazon “Independent Contractor” Defense
Amazon delivery vans are a constant presence in Dalhart and throughout Dallam County. Amazon often tries to shield itself from liability by claiming that the driver works for a small “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) and is not an Amazon employee. We know how to defeat this defense. By showing that Amazon controls the delivery routes, monitors the driver with Netradyne AI cameras, and sets the delivery quotas, we can prove that Amazon is the “true” employer and should be held responsible.
Whether it’s Amazon, FedEx, or UPS, we hold corporate parents accountable. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a fighter who knows their tactics.
Identifying All 16 Liable Parties: Why We Investigate Deeper
Most lawyers only sue the driver and the trucking company. At Attorney911, we go further. To maximize your recovery in Dallam County, we investigate every party that may have contributed to the crash. More defendants mean more insurance policies, and for a catastrophic injury, you need every dollar available.
- The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent training, hiring, and vicarious liability.
- The Cargo Owner (Shipper): If the cargo itself caused the instability.
- The Loading Company: For improperly securing the load or exceeding weight limits.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect (like a fuel tank placement) caused a fire.
- The Parts Manufacturer: If a defective brake drum or tire failed.
- The Maintenance Company: For failing to repair known mechanical issues.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of violations.
- The Truck Owner: If the tractor was leased to the carrier.
- Government Entities: If a poorly designed highway intersection in Dallam County contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent Companies: Holding brands like Amazon or Coca-Cola accountable.
- Oilfield Operators: If the truck was working on an active lease road nearby.
- Staffing Companies: If the driver was a “temp” without proper vetting.
- Rental Truck Companies: U-Haul or Penske may be liable for negligent maintenance.
- Transit Agencies: If the accident involved a public bus or school bus.
- The Federal Government: If the vehicle was a USPS truck or federal vehicle (FTCA claim).
We cast a wide net to ensure you aren’t left with unpaid bills. Call (888) 288-9911 to start our investigation.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Cost
In Dallam County, a truck accident often results in injuries that require a lifetime of care. We don’t just calculate your current hospital bills; we use life care planners and vocational experts to determine what your injury will cost you 20 years from now.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A brain injury can result from a direct blow to the head or the violent “coup-contrecoup” shaking of the brain inside the skull during a rear-end collision. Our firm has seen TBI settlements range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million. As explained in our video, “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ), these injuries often result in permanent cognitive deficits, personality changes, and the inability to return to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When the vertebrae in the neck or back are crushed by an 80,000-pound impact, the results are often permanent. Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, requiring 24/7 nursing care and home modifications. Settlement ranges for these type of life-altering injuries can span from $4.7 million to over $25 million.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Whether a limb is lost at the scene or must be surgically removed later due to infection (a “staph infection” case we litigated resulted in a $3.8 million settlement), the impact is devastating. The cost of prosthetic replacement and physical therapy can reach $1.9 million to $8.6 million over a lifetime.
Wrongful Death: Fighting for the Legacy of Your Loved One
We are deeply sorry if a trucking accident in Dallam County has taken a family member. No check can replace a life, but a wrongful death lawsuit ensures your family is financially secure and the trucking company is punished for their negligence. Texas allows for the recovery of lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death results typically range from $1.9 million to over $9.5 million.
Your family deserves justice. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate and authoritative consultation.
Psychological Injuries: The Wounds You Can’t See
A Dallam County truck accident leaves more than just physical scars. Many of our clients experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe driving anxiety, and depression. As we discuss in our video, “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A), these are real, medically diagnosable injuries. If you are having nightmares, flashbacks, or are afraid to drive on US-87, those are compensable damages. We ensure a jury understands that your mental health is just as valuable as your physical health.
Understanding Non-Economic Damages: What Is Your Pain Worth?
Insurance companies are experts at calculating medical bills, but they are “professional minimizers” when it comes to human suffering. Under Texas law, you are entitled to non-economic damages, which include:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: The daily reality of living with chronic pain.
- Mental Anguish: The terror or grief caused by the collision.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: No longer being able to fish, play with your kids, or enjoy the Panhandle outdoors.
- Disfigurement: The emotional toll of visible scarring or lost limbs.
- Loss of Consortium: The damage to your relationship with your spouse.
As client Chad Harris stated, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for these damages because we know they represent the true cost of the accident. We don’t just “settle” for the bills; we fight for every dime of your quality of life.
Navigating the Legal Row: What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911
- Immediate Investigation: Within hours, we deploy experts to the Dallam County scene and send spoliation letters.
- Medical Care Facilitation: We can help you find vetted, attorney-approved doctors who treat you now and get paid once the case settles.
- The Demand Phase: We build a comprehensive package showing the trucking company’s insurance that we are ready for trial.
- Litigation and Discovery: We subpoena the driver qualification files, the dispatch records, and the hidden corporate communications.
- Trial Prep: We prepare every case as if it’s going to a Dallam County jury. As Ernest Cano shared, we will “fight tooth and nail for you.”
You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. 1-888-ATTY-911.
Dallam County Truck Accident FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Dallam County?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee. Our standard fee is 33.33% if the case settles before trial and 40% if we go to court. We cover all the investigation and expert witness costs, which can reach $100,000 in complex trucking cases. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Q: The accident happened in Dallam County, but the trucking company is from another state. Where do I sue?
A: This is why federal court experience matters. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Southern District of Texas and understands “diversity jurisdiction.” We can often sue in Texas or the company’s home state, depending on which venue is most favorable for your recovery.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Trucking companies often use the “contractor” label as a liability shield. However, the FMCSA’s “Statutory Employer” rule effectively makes the carrier responsible for the driver’s negligence regardless of what the contract says. Under 49 CFR § 376.12, the company name on the side of the truck often determines who is responsible for your bills.
Q: Can I get the truck’s GPS data if the crash was in Dallam County?
A: Yes. Modern trucks use systems like Qualcomm or Samsara to track every move. This data proves if the driver was speeding on US-385 or if they deviated from their scheduled route. We subpoena this data immediately before it is overwritten.
Q: The insurance company offered a quick check. Should I take it?
A: NEVER accept the first offer. As Ralph Manginello explains in his video, “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E), that check is a “lowball” designed to make your rights disappear before you know if you need surgery. Call us for a free evaluation of any offer.
Q: Is there a cap on how much I can recover in a Dallam County truck accident?
A: In most Texas personal injury cases, there is no cap on economic or non-economic damages like medical bills and pain and suffering. Punitive damages (intended to punish the company) do have caps, but they are high enough to provide significant justice.
Q: What if my own driver was partially at fault in the wreck?
A: Since Texas is a modified comparative negligence state, you can still recover as long as your driver was 50% or less at fault. If the truck driver was 90% at fault for a jackknife on US-54, you can still recover 90% of your total damages.
Q: Are concrete mixers and dump trucks regulated like 18-wheelers?
A: Usually, yes. If the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is over 10,001 pounds, it is subject to most FMCSA safety rules. A loaded concrete mixer in Dalhart can weigh 70,000 pounds and causes just as much damage as a semi-truck.
Q: I saw an Amazon van hit a pedestrian in Dalhart. Is that a truck case?
A: Absolutely. While smaller, Amazon’s delivery vans are commercial vehicles. The injuries—often pelvis fractures or TBI—are catastrophic. Amazon’s layered insurance and monitoring through Netradyne cameras make these cases unique, and we know how to handle them.
Q: Can I sue if an oilfield truck’s tire blew out and hit me?
A: Yes. Oilfield trucks operating near the Dallam County borders often run on rough roads that destroy tires. If the company failed to inspect the tires (a violation of 49 CFR § 396.11), they are liable for the resulting wreckage.
Why Experience in BP and Fortune 500 Litigation Matters
When an 80,000-pound vehicle hits you, you aren’t just fighting a driver; you’re fighting an industry. Ralph Manginello’s background including the BP Texas City Refinery disaster litigation (a case involving 15 deaths and $2.1 billion in settlements) proves he can handle the most complex, high-stakes litigation against the planet’s largest corporations. When you walk into a courtroom in Dallam County, the trucking company needs to know that your lawyer isn’t looking for a quick settlement—they need to know your lawyer is looking for justice.
As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t take the easy cases; we take the cases that matter.
Final Word: The Clock Is Ticking in Dallam County
The trucking company’s lawyers are already working. Their adjusters are already documenting “evidence” to use against you. Every day you wait is a day they get ahead.
Dallam County families shouldn’t have to suffer twice—once from the tractor-trailer impact and again from an insurance company’s greed. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring over 25 years of trial experience to your side. We know the laws, we know the regulations, and we know the insurance company’s playbook.
As client Chad Harris reminded us, “You are FAMILY to them.” Let us treat you like family while we fight the corporate giants.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We are available 24/7 to answer your call and start your recovery. Hablamos Español. Llame al (888) 288-9911 today.
Attorney911 serves Dallam County and the surrounding Panhandle region. No fee unless we win. Call (888) 288-9911 for your free consultation with Ralph Manginello.
