Longview Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

In Longview, oilfield trucks share the road with your family every single day. These massive vehicles carry crude oil, frac sand, produced water, and heavy equipment through the heart of East Texas. The drivers work brutal hours, often pushing the limits of safety to meet production quotas in the Haynesville Shale. Our roads, from the high-speed corridors of I-20 to the narrow FM roads cutting through Gregg County, weren’t built for this level of industrial convoys. When something goes wrong on a route like US-259 or TX-31, the oil company has lawyers on the phone before you’re out of the ambulance.

One moment, you’re driving to work on Longview’s highways. The next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes of I-20. The impact is catastrophic. That is not a fair fight. Your car weighs maybe 4,000 pounds; the truck that hit you is 20 times that size. You didn’t ask for this life-altering trauma, but now you have to fight for what you deserve. At Attorney911, we believe that when a trucking company’s pursuit of profit costs you your health or a loved one’s life, they must be held fully accountable.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. He is admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We don’t just know the law; we know the tactics the other side uses. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now fight. He knows their playbook, he knows how they undervalue claims, and he knows how to break their balance sheets until they pay what is fair.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Longview, the clock is already ticking. Evidence is disappearing as you read this. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

The Longview Trucking Crisis: Why Our Roads Are So Dangerous

Longview sits at a critical crossroads for the Texas economy. To the south and east, the Haynesville Shale drives a constant stream of oilfield traffic. To the west, I-20 serves as the primary artery for freight moving between the Port of Shreveport and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This convergence creates a “perfect storm” for catastrophic truck wrecks.

While the national average is one truck crash injury every 16 minutes, the risk on the stretch of I-20 through Gregg County is significantly higher due to the mix of long-haul transcontinental freight and local industrial hauling. Companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes have a massive presence here. Their service trucks are on every road in Longview’s oil patch, often operated by drivers who have been on shift for 14 hours or more.

Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler near the distribution routes or an Amazon delivery van in a residential neighborhood near the Longview Mall, you are facing a corporate giant. We have a documented history of litigating against Fortune 500 defendants, including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We’ve even gone toe-to-toe with global energy corporations like BP. We are not intimidated by their teams of lawyers or their deep pockets. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We fight for our family in Longview.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window: Why You Must Act Now

In the aftermath of a Longview truck wreck, the most important thing you can realize is that the trucking company is already building its defense. They often have rapid-response investigators at the scene before the police have even finished their report. Their goal is simple: control the narrative and preserve only the evidence that helps them.

The Black Box and ELD Data Risk

Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box.” This device records critical data points: your impact speed, when the driver hit the brakes (or if they didn’t), throttle position, and steering input. This data is objective. It doesn’t lie. However, in many trucks, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or even sooner if the truck is put back into service.

Similarly, federal law mandates the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track a driver’s “Hours of Service.” This data proves if a driver was illegally operating while fatigued. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, these records only need to be retained for six months. If your attorney doesn’t move fast, the proof of the driver’s exhaustion could “vanish” into a routine deletion cycle.

Our Immediate Spoliation Protocol

The moment you retain the Manginello Law Firm, we initiate our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol. We send formal “spoliation letters” to every potentially liable party—the driver, the trucking company, the trailer owner, and the corporate parent. This creates a legal “litigation hold,” meaning if they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, they face severe sanctions in court, including the jury being told to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company’s guilt.

We demand the preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box Data: All pre-crash and crash-pulse data.
• ELD Logs: All driving hours for the 6 months preceding the crash.
• Driver Qualification Files: Background checks, drug test results, and medical certificates required under 49 CFR Part 391.
• Maintenance Records: Proof of brake and tire inspections required under 49 CFR Part 396.
• Dispatch and Telematics Data: Communications that might prove the driver was being pressured to speed or skip rest breaks.
• In-Cab Video: Systems like Netradyne or DriveCam that record driver distraction.

Don’t let the evidence of their negligence disappear. Call (888) 288-9911 immediately so we can lock down the proof you need to win.

Proven Results: Why Experience Matters in Longview

When you are facing a multi-billion dollar corporation, you need an attorney with a proven track record. We don’t just settle cases; we maximize them. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been making trucking companies pay for the damage they cause. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including:

• $5+ Million for a victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
• $3.8+ Million for a client who required an amputation after a catastrophic collision.
• $2.5+ Million specifically in a commercial trucking recovery.

We prepare every single case in Longview as if it is going to trial. This is why we get the settlements we do. Insurance companies know that if they don’t offer top dollar, we will see them in front of a Gregg County jury. As client Donald Wilcox shared, “One company said they would not accept my case… Then I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take the tough cases, and we win them because we out-work and out-investigate the opposition.

Understanding the Web of Liability: Who Really Pays?

One of the biggest mistakes a general practice lawyer makes is only suing the truck driver. In Longview, a single accident often involves a complex web of 16 or more liable parties. To get you the maximum compensation, we investigate everyone who had a hand in putting that dangerous truck on our roads.

1. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for the driver’s actions. Beyond that, we hold them liable for Negligent Hiring. Did they hire a driver with a history of DUIs or safety violations? We check their Driver Qualification Files to find out.

2. The Corporate Parent (The “Branded” Company)

If you were hit by an Amazon van or a FedEx Ground truck, the parent company will try to hide behind an “independent contractor” structure. We use the Right-to-Control Test to pierce that shield. If Amazon sets the route, monitors the speed via an app, and requires a specific uniform, they are the employer. We find the money, no matter how many corporate layers they try to put in our way.

3. Oilfield Operators and Lease Holders

In the Haynesville Shale region around Longview, the oil and gas company that operates the wellsite often shares liability. They control the lease roads and set the production schedules that force drivers to speed. We look at Premises Liability and Negligent Contractor Selection to hold the oil giants accountable.

4. Freight Brokers and Shippers

Brokers who hire “bottom-of-the-barrel” trucking companies just to save a few dollars can be held liable for negligent selection. If the shipper provided an improperly balanced load that caused a rollover on a Longview curve, they are in the lawsuit.

5. Maintenance and Parts Manufacturers

Was the crash caused by an old retread tire that blew out? Or 49 CFR Part 393 violations regarding brake adjustment? We subpoena the maintenance records. If a third-party mechanic cut corners, they are liable. If the brakes were defective from the factory, we pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

More defendants mean more insurance policies. More insurance policies mean a higher recovery for your family. Let us unmask everyone responsible. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Longview Truck Accident Types: Understanding the Physics

The mechanics of a truck wreck are far more violent than a car-to-car collision. We have deep expertise in the physics of these specific crash types.

Jackknife Accidents

On the often-congested stretches of TX-31, a truck driver who slams on the brakes too hard can cause the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. This sweeps across multiple lanes like a giant scythe. We look for ELD data proving the driver was fatigued or maintenance records showing the trailer’s anti-lock braking system was non-functional.

Underride Collisions

These are the most lethal accidents we see in Longview. A car slides under the trailer because the truck lacks proper underride guards or the driver made an unsafe lane change. These crashes often result in decapitation or severe TBI. We look for violations of 49 CFR § 393.86 regarding rear impact guards.

Logging Truck Accidents

East Texas is timber country. Logging trucks are a unique hazard. They are often overweight and carry uncontained loads of timber that can become battering rams if they break free. An uncontained log at 60 mph on a two-lane road is almost never survivable. We investigate the and loading crews for securement failures.

Oilfield Water and Sand Haulers

The Permian and Haynesville basins run on water and sand. These trucks are notoriously top-heavy. Liquid “slosh” in a produced water tanker makes the vehicle inherently unstable on the Sharp turns and unpaved lease roads around Longview. If a rollover occurs, we calculate the center of gravity and load weights to prove the company put an unsafe vehicle on the road.

Whether it was a blind spot collision, a tire blowout on I-20, or a wide-turn “squeeze play” in town, we know the federal regulations and the physics to prove fault. Call (888) 288-9911 for help.

Federal Regulations: The Hammer We Use to Win

The FMCSA regulations (49 CFR 390-399) aren’t just suggestions; they are the law. We use these “safety bibles” to trap trucking companies in their own negligence.

• 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): We find out if the driver was even legally allowed to be behind the wheel.
• 49 CFR Part 392 (Driving Rules): This governs speeding and ill or fatigued operators.
• 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): This is the most violated regulation. A fatigued driver on I-20 has the same reaction time as a drunk driver. We use ELD data to prove they stayed on the road too long.
• 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection & Maintenance): We prove they knew the brakes were bad but sent the truck to Longview anyway.

Catastrophic Injuries: We Understand Your Pain

When 80,000 pounds hits you, “minor” injuries don’t exist. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for people facing:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): $1.5M to $9.8M+ range. These injuries often don’t show up on an ER CT scan. We work with neurologists to identify cognitive deficits that change your personality and ability to work.
• Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis: $4.7M to $25.8M+ range. Lifetime care for a quadriplegic can exceed $10 million. We secure the funds for your life care plan.
• Amputations: $1.9M to $8.6M. We fight for the cost of the best prosthetics and modified homes.
• Wrongful Death: $1.9M to $9.5M. No amount of money brings them back, but it ensures your children are taken care of and the company never forgets the cost of their negligence.

Insurance adjusters will try to call your herniated disc “degenerative” or “age-related.” We have a former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows exactly how to shut down those lies. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Commercial Insurance: Why These Cases Are Worth More

A typical car accident in Texas might only have $30,000 in insurance coverage. Trucking companies are different. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) requires massive minimums:

• $750,000 for general freight.
• $1,000,000 for oil hauling or heavy equipment.
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials (common in Longview oilfield tankers).

Large corporate fleets like Walmart and Amazon often have hundreds of millions in “excess” or “umbrella” policies. If your lawyer doesn’t know how to “stack” these policies, they are leaving millions of dollars on the table. We know the corporate insurance architecture, and we know how to reach the deep pockets.

Frequently Asked Questions for Longview Victims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Longview?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the crash involved a government vehicle—like a Longview city bus or a state-owned truck—you may have as little as six months to file a formal notice of claim. Don’t risk your rights by waiting.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Texas is a Modified Comparative Negligence state. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. Trucking companies will always try to blame the victim to avoid paying. We use ECM “black box” data to prove the driver was speeding or distracted, shifting the blame back onto the responsible company.

Does it cost anything to hire you?
No. We work on a Contingency Fee basis. We advance all the costs of the investigation, the experts, and the court filings. You pay us nothing out of pocket. We only get paid if—and when—we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us zero.

A corporate truck hit me, but it says “Independent Contractor” on the door. Can I still sue the big company?
Yes. Companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground use this as a liability shield. We specialize in piercing this defense. If the corporate parent controls the driver’s schedule, equipment, or methods, the law often views them as the true employer regardless of the “contractor” label.

Can I get a payout for PTSD after a Longview truck wreck?
Absolutely. Psychological trauma is just as real as a broken bone. If you are having nightmares, can’t get on the highway without a panic attack, or have lost your “spark” for life, those are non-economic damages. We have helped many clients receive significant compensation for mental anguish and PTSD.

Your Fight for Justice Starts with One Call

The trucking company that hit you in Longview has already made their first move. Their lawyers are working. Their adjusters are preparing a lowball offer. What are you doing?

Don’t be a victim twice. You deserve an attorney who treats you like family—as client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” You deserve someone who has gone head-to-head with Walmart and Amazon and made them pay millions. You deserve Attorney911.

We offer free consultations 24/7. We can meet you at our offices, at your home, or in your hospital room in Longview. There is no risk and no obligation. We solve in months what others cannot do in years.

Your future and your family’s security are on the line. Call Attorney Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911.

Understanding Longview’s Most Dangerous Roads

When we investigate a Longview truck crash, we look at the specific characteristics of the road.

• I-20: High-speed rear-end collisions and jackknifes are common here due to heavy freight traffic.
• US-259 / TX-31: These routes see heavy oilfield traffic, with water trucks and sand haulers frequently involved in T-bone and wide-turn accidents.
• Gregg County FM Roads: Narrow lanes and soft shoulders lead to devastating head-on collisions and rollovers, especially for logging trucks.

We know these roads. We know the courts. And we know how to hold the companies that use them accountable.

The Manginello Advantage: We Know the Systems

• Former Defense Side Knowledge: Lupe Peña worked for the insurance companies. He knows the algorithms they use to value your “pain and suffering.” We use that insider info to force higher settlements.
• Federal Court Admission: Many Longview truck cases involve parties from out of state. We have the admission to take your case to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas if that is what it takes to win.
• Deep Investigation: We don’t just wait for the police report. we hire accident reconstruction engineers, hire vocational experts to prove your lost earning capacity, and hire life care planners to document every penny you will need for your recovery.

The trucking companies fear us because they know we are powerful and proven. Let us be your voice. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Additional Trucking & Commercial Vehicle FAQ

Q: I was hit by a dump truck at a construction site near Longview. Who is responsible?
A: Dump truck accidents are often complex. Liability can rest with the driver, the hauling company, the general contractor who hired them, or even the aggregate supplier. Dump trucks are frequently overloaded, which we prove by subpoenaing weigh-station tickets and loading manifests.

Q: My child was injured when a school bus was hit by a truck. What are my rights?
A: These are high-stakes cases. You can sue the trucking company for their negligence. If the bus driver was also at fault, there may be claims against the school district, though government immunity and strict notice deadlines apply. We handle the complexity so you can focus on your child.

Q: A rental truck like a U-Haul hit my car in Longview. Can I hire you?
A: Yes. Rental truck cases are dangerous because the drivers are often completely untrained in operating a vehicle that size. If the rental company rented to an unqualified or dangerous driver, they can be held liable for Negligent Entrustment.

Q: What is “Loss of Consortium” in a trucking case?
A: This is a claim for the spouse of the injured person. It covers the loss of companionship, intimacy, and the services provided to the household. When a truck wreck ruins a marriage or a family’s dynamic, the law allows for compensation for that loss.

Q: Why don’t you recommend talking to the insurance adjuster?
A: As Lupe Peña knows from his time in defense, adjusters are trained to get you to say “I’m fine” or admit to a small amount of fault. They record these conversations and use them to kill your case later. Always tell them: “Talk to my lawyer at Attorney911.”

Q: Can I recover money if a truck’s tire blew out and hit my car?
A: Yes. 49 CFR Part 396 requires regular tire inspections. Most blowouts are caused by “retreads” that should have been retired or over-inflated tires that weren’t checked. We find the maintenance logs to prove the company knew the tires were unsafe.

Don’t let them push you around. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and get a fighter on your side.

Catastrophic Collisions Demand a Powerful Case

For more than two decades, we have seen the wreckage an 18-wheeler leaves behind. We’ve seen families in Longview lose their breadwinners, their mobility, and their peace of mind. We have litigated cases against companies like Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and the world’s largest oil operators. We know their army of lawyers doesn’t mean they are right—it just means they are trying to hide.

We have recovered over $50 million for people like you. We advance every dime of the cost. We give you Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of trial experience and Lupe Peña’s insider defense knowledge. We offer direct attorney access because you aren’t a file number—you’re family.

Wait no longer. Within 48 hours, black box data is at risk. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your free consultation. Hablamos Español. Your justice starts with one call.

Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Truck accidents aren’t just limited to the big 18-wheelers. If it has a commercial logo or is used for business, it’s a commercial vehicle accident. We handle cases involving:

• Garbage Trucks: Massive blind spots and constant backing in residential Longview neighborhoods.
• Concrete Mixers: Among the heaviest vehicles on the road, prone to rollover “slosh” accidents.
• Delivery Vans: Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vans rushing to meet quotas, often striking pedestrians or cyclists.
• Box Trucks: Straight trucks used by local Longview businesses that often lack proper maintenance.
• Tow Trucks: “Chaser” tow trucks driving recklessly to reach an accident scene first.

No matter what type of truck hit you, if it was for a business purpose, we know how to find the liability and the insurance.

Hit by a company truck? Call (888) ATTY-911 for an immediate evaluation.

The Physics of the “No-Zone”

Commercial trucks have four massive blind spots where they cannot see your car:

1. Front: Up to 20 feet directly in front of the cab.
2. Back: Up to 30 feet behind the trailer.
3. Left Side: One lane wide near the driver’s door.
4. Right Side: Two lanes wide. This is the most dangerous No-Zone.

If a trucker merges into you because they didn’t check their mirrors or didn’t have mirrors required under 49 CFR § 393.80, they are negligent. We use accident reconstruction to prove you were in their blind spot and they failed their duty to look.

Final Word to Longview Victims

Your life changed in an instant. You’re in pain, the bills are mounting, and you’re probably angry. You should be. A trucking company took a shortcut with safety, and you paid the price. But you don’t have to keep paying.

We make the trucking companies pay. We make the corporate giants listen. We turn your trauma into a recovery that covers your past bills and secures your future. Experience, results, and family treatment—that is the Manginello Law Firm promise.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español. No pierda más tiempo—sus derechos dependen de lo que haga hoy.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
Longview’s Choice for Truck Accident Justice.

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