Odessa Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Lawyers

A collision with an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is a life-altering emergency. In an instant, the commute you’ve made a thousand times on I-20 or the short trip down Highway 385 becomes a fight for your physical and financial survival. At Attorney911, we understand that you aren’t just facing a “traffic accident.” You’re facing a legal battle against massive trucking companies, their aggressive insurance adjusters, and the corporate lawyers they hire before the ambulance even leaves the scene.

Ralph Manginello has spent more than 25 years fighting for families in Odessa and throughout the Permian Basin. Since 1998, our firm has built a reputation for relentless advocacy, recovering over $50 million for victims of negligence. We handle everything from 18-wheeler jackknifes to oilfield water truck rollovers, bringing a level of federal court experience and industrial disaster knowledge—including Ralph’s involvement in the BP Texas City refinery litigation—that smaller firms simply cannot match.

If you’ve been hit by a corporate fleet vehicle or a commercial truck in Odessa, the clock is already ticking. Evidence like black box data and electronic logs can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working on the other side as an insurance defense lawyer. He knows their playbook. He knows how they try to minimize your suffering. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita las 24 horas del día.

Why Odessa Trucking Accidents Are Different

Odessa is the industrial heart of West Texas. While a truck accident in a city like Austin or Houston might involve a consumer goods delivery, a truck accident in Odessa is often tied to the high-stakes production schedules of the Permian Basin. The roads connecting Odessa to Midland, Pecos, and Andrews were originally designed for moderate traffic, but they are now clogged with 80,000-pound sand haulers, vacuum trucks, and crude oil tankers.

The sheer volume of heavy vehicle traffic on FM 1788—often called the “Death Strip”—creates a level of danger almost unique to our region. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes at 70 mph on I-20, it doesn’t just hit one car; it creates a chain reaction that can paralyze Odessa’s main artery for hours. Because of the weight disparity, passenger vehicles have almost zero protection. A standard SUV weighs about 4,000 pounds. The semi-truck that hits it is 20 times heavier. That isn’t a collision; it’s a crushing force.

We’ve seen the results of this disparity. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, including ranges from $1.5 million to $9.8 million. We know that in Odessa, your case might involve not just a trucking company, but a major oil operator like ExxonMobil, Chevron, or Diamondback Energy. These entities have deep pockets, but they also have the resources to fight your claim for years. You need an Odessa truck accident lawyer who has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Call Attorney911 immediately at 888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 to begin preserving evidence for your Odessa truck accident case.

Relentless Representation Rooted in Experience

When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t getting a lawyer who handles “a few” car wrecks. You’re getting a team of trucking litigation specialists. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience includes admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a credential that is critical when your case moves into federal court against an interstate motor carrier.

Our “unfair advantage” is our inside knowledge of how insurance companies think. Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense is a tool we use to maximize your recovery. He understands the formulas adjusters use to undervalue your pain and suffering. He knows when a settlement offer is a lowball designed to get you to go away quietly. We don’t go away. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and fraternity for a hazing incident that resulted in catastrophic organ failure. This demonstrates our firm’s capability to handle the most complex, high-stakes litigation in the state. Whether we are fighting for a victim of a $5 million logging truck brain injury or a victim of a Permian Basin tanker spill, our goal remains the same: every dime you deserve. Glenda Walker, one of our past clients, put it best: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

The Permian Basin Oilfield Trucking Hazard

Odessa’s economy runs on trucks, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of your safety. The oilfield trucking industry is notorious for cutting corners to meet production deadlines. When a frac spread is waiting for sand or a well site needs water removed, drivers are often pressured to violate federal safety rules.

Frac Sand and Produced Water Haulers

The Permian Basin is teeming with sand haulers and pneumatic trailers. These trucks are often overloaded, exceeding the 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating. This makes them inherently unstable, especially when traversing the uneven lease roads common outside of Odessa. We often find that these companies hire drivers who lack the necessary experience to handle West Texas terrain, leading to rollovers and T-bone collisions at uncontrolled rural intersections.

Produced water trucks are another constant threat. Carrying thousands of gallons of caustic, salty water, these tankers have a high center of gravity. The “slosh” factor of a liquid load can cause a truck to roll during a sudden lane change on I-20 or a turn onto Highway 385. If the company didn’t provide proper training on handling liquid loads, or if the driver was fatigued, they are liable for the resulting carnage.

Crude Oil Tankers and HAZMAT Dangers

Crude oil tankers are moving bombs. A collision involving a crude hauler in Odessa often results in fires, explosions, and severe burn injuries. These cases aren’t just governed by standard rules; they fall under 49 CFR Part 397, the federal regulations for transporting hazardous materials. Because of the extreme risk, HAZMAT carriers are required to carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance. We investigate whether the carrier complied with mandatory route restrictions and if the driver had the required HAZMAT endorsement on their CDL.

Crew Vans and Hot Shot Trucks

Not all oilfield crashes involve 18-wheelers. Crew transport vans, often carrying 10-15 workers at a time, are frequently involved in high-speed rollovers on FM roads around Odessa. These vans have a dangerous history of instability when fully loaded. Similarly, “Hot Shot” drivers—carrying small parts and equipment on an urgent basis—are often paid by the load, creating a financial incentive to speed. If you were hit by a crew van or a hot shot pickup, the company that scheduled that run may be just as liable as the driver.

If an oilfield vehicle changed your life in Odessa, call us at (888) 288-9911. We understand the dual-jurisdiction of FMCSA and OSHA regulations that govern these industrial accidents.

Every Truck, Every Case: We Hold Them Accountable

Truck accident litigation at Attorney911 isn’t limited to semi-trucks. We handle cases involving every type of commercial vehicle that traverses Odessa’s streets.

• Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers: Common near construction sites on the north side of Odessa, these vehicles are incredibly heavy. A loaded concrete mixer can weigh over 60,000 pounds. If the rotating drum wasn’t properly maintained or the driver took a turn too fast, the resulting rollover can crush any vehicle in its path.
• Garbage and Waste Trucks: These trucks operate in our Odessa neighborhoods every morning. Because they have massive blind spots and are constantly backing up, they are a primary threat to pedestrians and children. We hold companies like Waste Management or Republic Services accountable when their drivers fail to use spotters or ignore safety protocols.
• Rental Trucks (U-Haul, Penske, Budget): You don’t need a CDL to rent a 26-foot truck. Every day, untrained drivers get behind the wheel of these massive vehicles in Odessa. If a rental company like U-Haul gave a truck to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain the brakes, they may be liable for the crash. As Ralph Manginello often points out, “Giving a bus-sized truck to someone who has never driven one is a recipe for disaster.”
• Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS): The surge in E-commerce has flooded Odessa with delivery vans. Amazon drivers are often under such extreme pressure to hit quotas that they speed through residential zones or park illegally, blocking views and causing accidents. We know how to pierce the “independent contractor” shield that companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground use to try to avoid responsibility.
• Transit and School Buses: Whether it’s a city bus or an ECISD school bus, collisions involving buses result in multiple injuries. Suing a government entity in Texas requires navigating complex sovereign immunity laws and strict notice deadlines. We have the experience to hold these agencies accountable.

Federal Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created a comprehensive set of rules designed to keep Odessa families safe. When trucking companies break these rules to save time or money, they are negligent. We use these regulations to build your case.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue is the “silent killer” on West Texas roads. Federal law is clear: a property-carrying driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Yet, in the high-pressure environment of the Permian Basin, we frequently find drivers and dispatchers who falsify logs to stay on the road for 14, 16, or even 18 hours. A fatigued driver has the reaction time of someone who is legally intoxicated.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. This means they must verify the driver’s CDL, check their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) annually, and ensure they have a valid medical certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or professional incompetence to drive through Odessa, that is negligent hiring. Our firm subpoenas the entire Driver Qualification File in every case to uncover these hidden violations.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

An 80,000-pound truck is only as safe as its brakes and tires. FMCSA requires a systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance program. 29% of truck accidents involve brake failure. If a trucking company deferred maintenance to keep a truck on the road for another Odessa delivery, they are responsible for the catastrophic results. We demand all maintenance logs, pre-trip inspection reports, and repair invoices to prove they chose profits over your safety.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

On roads like Highway 385, we often see pipe haulers or equipment trucks with inadequately secured loads. If a 10,000-pound piece of oilfield equipment falls off a trailer because the straps were frayed or insufficient, the cargo owner and the loading company are both liable. Federal law specifies exactly how many tiedowns are required for different weights and types of cargo. We know those rules, and we know how to prove when they were ignored.

Don’t let a trucking company’s violation of federal law go unpunished. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of your Odessa truck accident case.

16 Potential Liable Parties: We Find the Money

One reason 18-wheeler accidents are so complex is the “web of liability.” Most law firms only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we investigate every single entity that played a role in the crash. In an Odessa trucking accident, there may be as many as 16 different parties who owe you compensation:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: Under “respondeat superior,” they are responsible for their employees’ acts.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pressured the carrier or provided dangerous loading instructions.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to properly secure the cargo per 49 CFR 393.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect like an underride guard failure caused the injury.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires, brakes, or steering components.
7. The Maintenance Company: If they failed to perform required inspections or repairs.
8. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
9. The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to a carrier.
10. The Government Entity: If poor road design or unmaintained pavement contributed to the wreck.
11. The Corporate Parent/Brand Owner: For exercising total control over a “contractor” fleet (Amazon/FedEx Ground).
12. The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous conditions on a private lease road or wellsite.
13. Staffing Companies: For providing unqualified or unlicensed temporary drivers.
14. Rental Truck Companies: Like U-Haul, if they rented to an obviously unfit driver.
15. Transit Agencies/School Districts: For bus driver negligence (requires special tort claim notices).
16. Federal Government: In cases involving USPS or military vehicles (FTCA claims).

By identifying every liable party, we can “stack” insurance policies. A driver might only have a small policy, but the trucking company has millions, and the corporate parent has tens of millions. As Lupe Peña notes, “More defendants mean more insurance pools. More insurance pools mean we can secure the full value of your catastrophic injuries.”

Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Window

In Odessa, the scene of a truck accident is scrubbed quickly—especially if it’s an oilfield spill. You must act within 48 hours to preserve the evidence that will win your case.

The ECM “Black Box”

Modern trucks are equipped with Engine Control Modules (ECM). This data is the “smoking gun” of trucking litigation. It records your speed before impact, the exact moment the driver hit the brakes, and whether they were using cruise control. However, this data can be overwritten in 30 days or even sooner if the truck is put back into service. We send a formal spoliation letter the same day you hire us, legally forcing the company to preserve this data.

ELD and GPS Logs

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) have replaced paper logs and track a driver’s exact movements. We look for discrepancies between the ELD and GPS route data. Many drivers “cheat” the system by logging off while they are still moving. We have the technical expertise to uncover this fraud and prove the driver was operating illegally.

Driver Qualification Files

A driver’s CDL is just the beginning. We demand the carrier’s internal safety records. Did the driver have a history of “hard braking” events? Had they been coached for speeding in the six months before hitting you? Had they failed a drug test? These records are often “lost” if an attorney doesn’t demand them immediately.

Fleet Monitoring (Netradyne, DriveCam)

Companies like Amazon and Walmart use AI cameras to monitor their drivers. These systems record everything from cell phone use to “drowsy driving” eyes. This footage is typically kept for only a few days. If we don’t send a preservation demand within 24 hours, the very video that proves the driver was texting can be deleted forever.

Stop the trucking company from destroying your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We move fast to lock down the facts.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Path to Recovery

A truck accident in Odessa doesn’t just result in “soreness.” These are high-velocity, high-energy events that break bodies and ruin lives. We treat these injuries with the gravity they deserve.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A brain injury can cost a lifetime of care, ranging from $1.5 million to over $9 million. Whether it’s a mild concussion or a severe diffuse axonal injury, TBIs change who you are. You may suffer from memory loss, personality changes, and an inability to return to the career you worked so hard to build in Odessa. We work with the top neurologists and life care planners in Texas to document every penny your future care will require.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When 80,000 pounds slams into a passenger car, the roof often collapses. This axial loading on the spine leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost for a C1-C4 injury can exceed $25 million. We hold these companies accountable for the specialized vehicles, home modifications, and 24/7 nursing care you will now need.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Oilfield trucks and dump trucks often cause “entrapment” accidents. If your limb was crushed and had to be surgically removed, you are facing a $1.9 million to $8.6 million recovery range. We calculate the cost of prosthetics for the rest of your life—including the high-activity prosthetics you might need to stay active in our West Texas community.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a spouse, parent, or child to a negligent trucker in Odessa, we are deeply sorry. No check can replace them, but we can ensure your family is financially secure. Wrongful death settlements in trucking cases often range from $1.9 million to over $9.5 million. We fight for lost future income, loss of companionship, and the mental anguish your family is enduring. As client Kiimarii Yup shared after their recovery, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Recovering Every Category of Damage

In City of Odessa, we don’t just ask for “medical bills.” We demand compensation for every way the crash affected you.

• Economic Damages: This includes the $100,000+ ICU bills, the $300,000 future surgeries, and every dollar of income you lost. If you can never work in the oilfield again, we calculate your “loss of earning capacity”—often millions of dollars for a young worker.
• Non-Economic Damages: This covers the pain you feel every morning when you try to get out of bed. It covers the PTSD that makes you terrified to drive on I-20. It covers the loss of intimacy with your spouse. Texas does NOT cap these damages in truck accident cases.
• Punitive Damages: If the trucking company’s conduct was egregious—like allowing a driver to stay on the road for 20 hours—we seek punitive damages. These are designed to punish the company and prevent them from hurting another Odessa family.

Your fight for justice starts with one call. Reach out to Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 at 888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. You pay us nothing unless we recover for you.

Odessa Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Odessa?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Witness memories fade, the trucking company will repair the truck, and black box data will be overwritten. You should contact an attorney within 48 hours to ensure evidence is preserved.

2. What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (the 51% bar). As long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you would receive $800,000. Don’t assume you have no case; let us investigate the facts.

3. Does Attorney911 handle accidents with Amazon or Walmart trucks?
Yes. These are some of our most common cases. We have litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know how to pierce their contractor defenses and go after the parent corporation’s multi-million dollar umbrella policies.

4. I was hit by an oilfield water truck on a dirt lease road. Can I still sue?
Absolutely. Lease roads in the Permian Basin are often controlled by the oil company or lease operator. If the road was unmaintained, lacked proper signage, or the driver was speeding to meet an operator’s deadline, multiple parties may be liable. These cases often involve both FMCSA and OSHA regulations.

5. What is my truck accident case worth?
There is no “calculator” for case value because every injury is unique. However, because trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance, the recoveries are significantly higher than car accidents. Serious injury cases routinely settle in the six and seven-figure ranges. We evaluate your medical costs, lost earning potential, and lifelong pain to find a fair number.

6. Do I have to go to court?
Most cases—about 95%—settle before they ever reach a jury. We negotiate from a position of strength because the insurance companies know we are ready to go to trial. Our reputation as trial lawyers often forces them to pay a fair settlement just to avoid facing us in a courtroom.

7. Can I sue for emotional distress or PTSD?
Yes. A collision with a semi-truck is a traumatic event. If you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or extreme driving anxiety that prevents you from living your life, those are real, compensable injuries. We ensure your mental health treatment is included in your damage demand.

8. What if the trucking company is based in another state?
Interstate trucking is the norm. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and handles cases involving carriers from all 50 states. We bring the case in the jurisdiction that is most favorable to you, often right here in Ector County or the Western District of Texas.

9. How do I pay my medical bills while my case is pending?
We help our clients coordinate medical care. In many cases, we can work with doctors and specialists who will treat you on a “letter of protection” basis, meaning they get paid directly from the settlement once the case resolves. You should never skip treatment because of money.

10. What makes Attorney911 different from other Odessa law firms?
We provide a boutique level of attention with mega-firm results. You aren’t just a case file; you get direct access to your attorneys. We include specialized staff like Leonor, who helps manage the details of your recovery. Angel Walle, a past client, noted: “They solved in a couple of monhts what others did nothing about in two years.”

Ready to start your recovery? Call our Odessa trucking injury team at (888) 288-9911. Consulta gratis. Hablamos Español.

Justice for Odessa Families

Since 1998, Attorney911 has been the firm Odessa families turn to when disaster strikes. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients because we don’t back down. We’ve fought the world’s largest oil companies and the most powerful transport fleets, and we’ve made them pay for the lives they’ve changed.

You are hurting, you are worried, and the trucking company is hoping you’ll accept a quick, cheap check. Don’t do it. Your case is about more than just today’s bills; it’s about your entire future. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are ready to fight “tooth and nail” for you, as Ernest Cano noted in his review of our firm.

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime. That is our “no fee unless we win” guarantee. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working—shouldn’t you have a team on your side? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. One call. One fighter. One result. JUSTICE.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
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