Gorman Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Injured After 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were driving through the “Peanut Capital of the World” on State Highway 16 or heading toward the I-20 corridor; the next, 80,000 pounds of steel changed your life forever. In an instant, the plans you had for your family, your career, and your future in Gorman were replaced by sirens, emergency rooms, and the overwhelming weight of mounting medical bills. When an 18-wheeler, a delivery van, or an oilfield truck slams into your vehicle, it isn’t a fair fight. These massive machines are 20 to 25 times heavier than your passenger car, and the kinetic energy they release on impact is enough to shatter lives.

At Attorney911, we know what you’re going through because we’ve spent over two decades standing in the gap for families in Gorman and throughout Eastland County. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience taking on some of the largest trucking and corporate entities in the world and making them pay. Since 1998, we have been the “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” people turn to when disaster strikes. We don’t just handle cases; we protect people. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the wake of the Texas City refinery disaster, and we bring that same titanium-strength representation to every truck accident victim in Gorman.

If you’ve been hurt, you need to know that the trucking company has already started their defense. Before the ambulance even cleared the scene in Gorman, their rapid-response teams were likely already working to preserve their interests, not yours. You need a team that moves just as fast. Our firm includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working on the other side. He knows their playbook, he knows how they try to minimize your suffering, and he knows how to dismantle their defenses.

Don’t let them push you around. Whether you were hit on the busy I-20 freight lanes or a rural farm-to-market road in Eastland County, we are here to fight for every dime you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

Why Truck Accident Cases in Gorman Are Legally Complex

A truck accident in Gorman isn’t just a bigger version of a car accident. The legal, regulatory, and insurance landscape is fundamentally different. When two cars collide on a local street, you’re usually dealing with one driver and one insurance policy. When an 18-wheeler causes a wreck on Highway 6 or State Highway 16, you are looking at a web of interconnected companies, federal regulations, and multi-million dollar insurance layers.

The Power of 25+ Years of Federal and State Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which is critical because many trucking cases are litigated in federal court. Since 1998, Ralph has represented victims in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death, securing multi-million dollar results. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including $2.5 million for a truck crash recovery and over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury case.

When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t just getting a lawyer; you’re getting a team that understands the FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) that govern every commercial vehicle on the road. We know that if a driver was on the road for 15 hours straight, they didn’t just make a mistake—they broke federal law. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of drug abuse without checking their record, they didn’t just have bad luck—they committed negligent hiring.

The Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense

One of our greatest weapons is Lupe Peña’s background. Because he used to defend insurance companies, he understands the algorithms and software they use to devalue your pain. He knows that they will look at your social media, your past medical history, and every word you say to find a reason to pay you less. We use this insider knowledge to build a “bulletproof” case from day one. As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

If you’ve been hit by a corporate fleet vehicle or a big rig in Gorman, the clock is ticking. Evidence like the “black box” data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before the evidence disappears.

The Clock is Ticking: Texas Statute of Limitations and Negligence Rules

In Gorman, your legal rights are governed by Texas state laws that are strict and unforgiving. If you miss a deadline or fail to understand the “bar” for recovery, you could be left with nothing, regardless of how badly you were hurt.

Two Years to File, But No Time to Wait

Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury or wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. While two years might sound like a long time, in the world of trucking litigation, it is a blink of an eye. Building a multi-million dollar case against a company like Walmart, Amazon, or a major oilfield operator requires hundreds of hours of investigation, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony.

Wait too long, and the skid marks on SH 16 fade. The truck is repaired and put back on the road. The driver moves to another state. Most importantly, the electronic data that proves the driver was speeding or exhausted is deleted. We recommend reaching out within the first 48 hours so we can send immediate “spoliation letters” to preserve every shred of proof.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the crash. However, if a jury finds you 51% responsible, you recover zero. Furthermore, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If your case is worth $1 million but you are found 20% at fault for a lane change, your recovery becomes $800,000.

The trucking company’s lawyers will do everything they can to shift the blame to you. They will claim you were in the “No-Zone,” that you were distracted, or that you didn’t allow enough space. We know how to counter these tactics. We use the truck’s own Engine Control Module (ECM) data to prove the truck’s speed and braking patterns, leaving no room for the company to hide the truth.

No Fee Unless We Win

We believe everyone in Gorman deserves first-class legal representation, regardless of their bank account balance. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing upfront. We advance all the costs of the investigation, the experts, and the court filings. We only get paid if we recover money for you. As client Donald Wilcox noted, “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.”

Ready to hold them accountable? Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 for your free consultation.

Types of 18-Wheeler and Truck Accidents in Gorman

Truck accidents are not simple “fender benders.” They involve complex physics and specific mechanical failures. In Gorman, our highways see a diverse mix of long-haul freight, agricultural transport, and corporate delivery vehicles. Each type of crash creates a unique fingerprint of negligence.

Jackknife Accidents on the I-20 Corridor

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle like a folding knife. This often happens on the high-speed stretches of I-20 near Eastland County when a driver brakes too hard on a slick surface or enters a curve too fast. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucks must have functional braking systems that prevent this kind of loss of control. If a truck jackknifes and sweeps across three lanes of traffic, it isn’t just an accident; it’s often a failure of maintenance or driver training.

Rollover Crashes and Top-Heavy Loads

Gorman is the peanut capital, and during harvest season, trucks carrying heavy agricultural loads frequent our local roads. If cargo is improperly loaded or exceeds the weight limits set by 49 CFR § 393.100, the truck’s center of gravity shifts. A fast turn onto a farm-to-market road can send an 80,000-pound vehicle onto its side, crushing anything in its path. We investigate the loading manifests and the shipper’s records to see if the truck was a “rolling time bomb” before it ever left the yard.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Wrecks

Perhaps the most terrifying accident is the underride collision, where a passenger car slides beneath the trailer of a truck. These crashes are often fatal, involving decapitation or severe traumatic brain injuries as the trailer shears off the top of the car. While federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many of these guards are poorly maintained or lack the strength to stop a modern sedan. We fight for families who have lost loved ones in these horrific crashes, often identifying defects in the truck’s lighting or reflective tape that made the trailer invisible at night.

Rear-End Collisions and the Physics of 80,000 Pounds

A fully loaded semi-truck at 65 mph needs about 525 feet—nearly two football fields—to come to a complete stop. When a truck driver is distracted by a dispatch device or a cell phone, they lose the precious seconds needed to stop. If you were rear-ended by a truck in Gorman, the injuries are often life-altering. We look for evidence of 49 CFR § 392.11 violations—following too closely—to prove the driver was reckless.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver changes lanes on Highway 6 without properly checking their mirrors—or if they haven’t adjusted their mirrors as required by 49 CFR § 393.80—they can crush a smaller vehicle. We use Netradyne camera footage and sensor data to show that the driver had the tools to see you but chose to ignore them.

Learn more about your rights in our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.

Oilfield Trucking Accidents in Eastland County

Gorman residents are no strangers to the oil and gas industry. Our roads are shared with a constant stream of water trucks, sand haulers, and crude tankers serving the Permian Basin and other regional plays. Oilfield trucking is uniquely dangerous because it combines high-pressure corporate deadlines with rural road hazards.

The Problem with Produced Water and Sand Haulers

Frac sand trucks and produced water tankers are some of the most dangerous vehicles in Eastland County. These trucks are often overloaded, exceeding the 80,000-pound legal limit to maximize profit for the service company. A water truck with a “slosh” effect—where liquid shifts violently during a turn—is incredibly difficult to handle. If a Halliburton, Schlumberger, or Baker Hughes contractor caused your wreck, they may have violated OSHA 29 CFR 1910 standards as well as FMCSA rules.

Fatigue and the “Company Man” Pressure

In the oilfield, time is money. Drivers often work 12-to-14-hour shifts and are then pressured by the “company man” or the dispatcher to make one last run. This leads to rampant hours-of-service violations (49 CFR Part 395). We have seen cases where drivers have been awake for over 24 hours, effectively driving while “drunk” on exhaustion. We subpoena the lease road access logs and the ELD data to prove the driver was illegally fatigued.

Lease Road and Private Property Hazards

Many oilfield accidents happen on unpaved gravel or “caliche” lease roads that lack signs, lights, or proper width for two 80,000-pound trucks to pass. If an oil company like ExxonMobil or Chevron failed to maintain a safe worksite, they could be held liable under premises liability laws. These cases often involve a dual jurisdiction—it’s both a trucking crash and an industrial safety case.

H2S Exposure and Chemical Spills

Oilfield tankers often carry hazardous materials, including crude oil and chemicals that can release Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) gas in a rollover. Exposure to these toxins can cause permanent respiratory damage or death. Our firm has experience with major industrial disasters like the BP Texas City refinery explosion, giving us the technical expertise to handle Gorman cases involving toxic spills and chemical burns.

If an oilfield vehicle changed your life, you need a fighter who knows the industry. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.

Corporate Fleet and Delivery Vehicle Accidents

The truck that hit you might have had a familiar logo on the side—Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, or UPS. While these companies spend millions on PR claiming they are safe, they also spend millions on lawyers to avoid paying you when their drivers make a mistake.

The Walmart “Rapid Response” Tactic

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the country. When a Walmart truck is involved in a crash near Gorman, their specialized investigation teams are often on the scene before the local police. Their goal is to gather evidence that helps Walmart, not you. Because Walmart is a “solvent defendant” with massive self-insured retentions, they will fight tooth and nail. Ralph Manginello has the 25+ years of experience needed to go head-to-head with these retail giants and win.

Piercing the Amazon “Independent Contractor” Shield

Amazon delivers billions of packages, but they claim most of those drivers aren’t Amazon employees. They use “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) to try to insulate themselves from liability. They want you to think you can only sue a small, local LLC with a $1 million policy.

We don’t buy that. Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even uses AI cameras (Netradyne) to watch the drivers’ every move. If Amazon controls the work, they should be responsible for the damage. We use the Right-to-Control test to pierce that shield and get you the full compensation you deserve from Amazon’s deep pockets.

FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Express

FedEx uses a similar split model to Amazon. FedEx Express drivers are typically employees, but FedEx Ground uses independent contractors. However, FedEx Ground carries a $5 million contingent policy that we can often access for our clients. We know how to navigate the complex corporate layers of FedEx and UPS to find every available dollar for your recovery.

Grocery and Food Distribution (H-E-B, Sysco)

In Gorman, we see H-E-B trucks and Sysco food delivery rigs at all hours. These vehicles often operate in tight residential or commercial areas where they shouldn’t be. A wide turn from a Sysco truck can crush a car at an intersection, leading to “squeeze play” injuries. We hold these distribution companies accountable for their aggressive scheduling and inadequate driver training.

Additional Commercial Vehicles: More Than Just Big Rigs

A “truck accident” isn’t limited to 18-wheelers. Any vehicle used for business purposes is a commercial vehicle, and different rules apply depending on the weight and the task.

• Dump Trucks and Gravel Haulers: These are commonly found near Gorman construction sites and gravel pits. They often weigh 60,000+ pounds and are prone to losing their loads or rolling over due to uneven weight distribution.
• Garbage Trucks: Operating in Gorman residential areas, these trucks have massive blind spots and are often involved in backing accidents and pedestrian strikes.
• Concrete Mixers: With a rotating “slosh” of liquid concrete, these trucks are notoriously unstable on curves.
• Rental/Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): These are some of the most dangerous because they allow untrained “civilians” to drive 26,000-pound vehicles without a CDL. We hold the rental companies liable if they rented to an unfit driver or failed to maintain the brakes.
• Buses (School, Charter, Greyhound): If a bus crash injured you or your child, multiple insurance policies may apply, but the law regarding government-owned buses (sovereign immunity) is extremely complex. You need a lawyer who knows the Eastland County court system.

If a company vehicle hit you, don’t wait for them to “do the right thing.” They won’t. Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 today.

16 Liable Parties: Why We Investigate Deeper

Most law firms only sue the truck driver and the trucking company. That is a mistake that could cost you millions. At Attorney911, we cast the widest possible net of liability. Every party through whose hands that truck or cargo passed could be responsible for your injuries.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring or training.
3. The Cargo Owner: If they provided improper loading instructions or heavy cargo.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load, leading to a cargo shift crash.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect like a failed steer axle caused the wreck.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires, brakes, or underride guards.
7. The Maintenance Company: If they cut corners on inspections or repairs.
8. The Freight Broker: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of safety violations.
9. The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to a carrier.
10. Government Entities: If a road design defect on a Gorman highway contributed to the crash.
11. The Corporate Parent (Brand Owner): Like Amazon or Walmart, for exercising too much control over an “independent” driver.
12. The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous conditions on a wellsite or lease road.
13. The Staffing Agency: If they provided a driver without verifying their CDL or drug history.
14. The Rental Company: Like U-Haul or Penske, for negligent entrustment of a massive vehicle.
15. Public Transit Agencies: For bus accidents, keeping in mind strict government claim deadlines.
16. The Federal Government: If a USPS truck or military vehicle was involved (Federal Tort Claims Act applies).

More liable parties means more insurance policies “stacked” together, creating a larger pool of money for your recovery. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Critical Evidence: The First 48 Hours and the Gorman Crash Scene

The moments following a crash are the most important for your case. Evidence in a truck accident isn’t just a police report; it’s a digital and physical record that trucking companies are desperate to control.

The Black Box (ECM) and ELD Data

Modern trucks are essentially computers on wheels. The Engine Control Module (ECM) records your speed, RPM, and whether the brakes were applied in the five seconds before the crash. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) tracks every minute the driver spent behind the wheel. We know that 49 CFR § 395.8 mandates these logs because “tired drivers kill people.” We move quickly to secure this data before the trucking company’s IT department has a chance to “reset” the system.

Sending a Spoliation Letter

The primary way we protect your case is by sending a formal “spoliation letter.” This legal demand forces the trucking company and their insurer to preserve:

• In-cab camera footage (Netradyne/DriveCam).
• The driver’s cell phone records (to prove distracted driving).
• The Driver Qualification File (to check for previous DUIs or safety violations).
• Maintenance logs and pre-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11).
• The physical truck itself, before it can be repaired.

The “Golden Hour” of Accident Reconstruction

In Gorman and Eastland County, our team works with top-tier accident reconstruction experts. They analyze the crush depth of the metal, the yaw marks on the asphalt, and the debris pattern to prove exactly how the crash happened. If we wait, the weather and road repairs will erase this proof.

Learn more in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Catastrophic Injuries: What an 18-Wheeler Does to the Human Body

When you are hit by a vehicle that weighs 20 times more than yours, the force is equivalent to a building falling on your car. The injuries are rarely minor. We handle the most serious cases, ensuring our clients receive settlements that cover a lifetime of care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even if you didn’t lose consciousness, you may have suffered a brain injury. TBIs from truck accidents often involve “axial shearing” where brain tissue is torn by sudden rotation. This can lead to memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Learn more: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A snapped vertebra in a rollover or underride crash can lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia. These clients require 24/7 nursing care, home modifications, and specialized equipment. We work with life-care planners to calculate these costs, often securing settlements ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Losing a limb is a psychological and physical trauma that never fully heals. Whether the amputation was traumatic at the scene or surgical due to a “staph infection” during treatment, the costs are enormous. We secured $3.8 million for a client in a similar situation and continue to fight for the maximum recovery for Gorman residents facing this reality.

Wrongful Death: Caring for the Families Left Behind

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a loved one is taken due to trucking negligence, money can never bring them back. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs to survive without their income and support. In Texas, we seek compensation for lost future earnings, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our results for these cases typically range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Soft Tissue and “Invisible” Injuries

Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you that whiplash or a herniated disc is “just a minor injury.” When the impact is from an 18-wheeler, a “simple” back injury can lead to a lifetime of chronic pain and failed surgeries. We treat these “invisible” injuries with the seriousness they deserve.

Understanding Commercial Insurance and “Nuclear Verdicts”

The reason we fight so hard to identify every liable party is that the insurance policy limits in trucking are vast.

• $750,000 Minimum: Under federal law, trucks hauling general freight must carry this as a baseline.
• $1 Million to $5 Million: Trucks hauling oil or hazardous materials (many in Gorman) must carry significantly more.
• Corporate Umbrella Policies: Major fleets like Walmart and Amazon have “excess” layers of insurance that can reach $50 million to $100 million.

The Rise of the “Nuclear Verdict”

Since 2015, we have seen a trend of juries awarding “nuclear verdicts”—awards exceeding $10 million—to hold trucking companies accountable for systemic safety failures. For example, a Texas jury recently awarded $730 million in a case involving an oversized load. While every case is different, these numbers send a message: corporate profits will not be prioritized over Gorman lives.

Our team knows how to build a case that demands this level of respect from the insurance companies. If they won’t settle fairly, we are more than ready to take them to court.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gorman Truck Accident Victims

1. How much will it cost to hire Attorney911?

Zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee mission. We pay for all the experts, the investigators, and the court costs. We only get paid a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny in attorney fees.

2. Can I sue the oil company if a contractor truck hit me?

Often, yes. Oil companies like Pioneer, Diamondback, or ExxonMobil are responsible for the contractors they put on Gorman roads. If they hired a company with a high CSA safety score or forced them to work under dangerous fatigue, they share the blame.

3. I was an passenger in the truck that crashed—do I have a claim?

Yes. Whether you were a co-driver, a trainee, or a family member riding along, you are entitled to compensation if the driver’s negligence caused the crash. These cases often involve complex workers’ comp and third-party liability issues that we specialize in.

4. What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-20?

As long as you were not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover. If you were 10% responsible, your total settlement is simply reduced by 10%. Don’t assume you have no case—let us do the investigation first.

5. Why do I need a lawyer specifically for an 18-wheeler accident?

Because the trucking companies have lawyers working against you right now. They understand the FMCSA regulations better than most general practice lawyers. You need a specialist who knows how to read an ELD log, how to subpoena satellite GPS data, and how to take a corporate deposition of a “safety director” who cut corners.

6. Who pays my medical bills after the crash?

Ultimately, the trucking company’s insurance should pay. In the short term, your health insurance or PIP coverage might help. We also help our clients coordinate with “attorney-approved” doctors who can treat you now and wait for payment from the final settlement.

7. What is a “Letter of Protection”?

A Letter of Protection (LOP) is an agreement between us and your medical providers. It allows you to get the surgeries, MRIs, and therapy you need today without paying out of pocket, with the providers being paid out of the final settlement. This ensures you aren’t forced to settle for less just because you can’t afford the doctor.

8. How long will my case take to settle?

Simple cases can settle in 6 to 12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or corporate giants like Amazon can take 2 to 3 years. We never rush a case because we want to ensure your injuries are “stable” and we know exactly what your future medical needs will be before we sign any release.

9. Can I sue the driver if they were high or drunk?

Yes, and this often opens the door for punitive damages. Under 49 CFR Part 382, trucking companies must perform random drug and alcohol testing. If they failed to do this—or if they ignored a positive test—we will pursue the maximum possible punishment against the company.

10. Does your firm handle cases in Spanish?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Nuestro abogado asociado, Lupe Peña, es fluido en español y puede representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Entendemos las necesidades de nuestra comunidad hispana en Texas. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Powerful Representation for Gorman and Eastland County

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your family’s life, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have spent 25+ years taking on the world’s most powerful corporations and winning. We treat our clients like family, providing the personal attention you won’t find at a big “billboard” firm. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The trucking company has already started their defense. Their adjusters are already looking for ways to pay you nothing. It’s time for you to hit back. We are available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your future.

Gorman families deserve justice. We are here to get it for you.

Contact Attorney911 Today

Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Your fight. Our focus. Your victory.

Attorney911 has offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we represent trucking accident victims throughout Gorman and the entire state of Texas. We work on a contingency fee basis—no recovery, no fee.