Waskom Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Attorneys

The impact of an 80,000-pound semi-truck slamming into a passenger car on I-20 in Waskom is a moment that redefines a lifetime. In the “Gateway to Texas,” where the heavy freight of the American South converges with the energy corridors of the Haynesville Shale, Waskom stays at the center of constant commercial traffic. While our town represents the beginning of the road for many entering the Lone Star State, it is too often the site of devastating collisions that leave families shattered.

When a corporate rig or an oilfield tanker causes a catastrophe in Waskom, you aren’t just facing a driver; you’re facing a multi-billion dollar corporate infrastructure designed to protect its bottom line. We founded Attorney911 to level that playing field. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years in the trenches of trucking litigation, taking on the largest corporations on the planet and winning. With a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, we know the playbook the trucking companies use in Waskom and across Harrison County to deny you the compensation you deserve.

The Reality of Commercial Trucking Hazards in Waskom

Waskom is uniquely positioned as a high-risk zone for commercial vehicle accidents. Because our city sits right on the Texas-Louisiana state line, the stretch of I-20 passing through Waskom is a gauntlet of exhausted long-haul drivers, time-pressured delivery fleets, and specialized oilfield equipment. The sheer volume of freight moving into Texas means that Waskom residents share their daily commute with trucks from Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and countless oilfield service providers like Halliburton and Schlumberger.

Trucking companies prioritize their delivery windows and production schedules, often at the expense of Waskom families. Whether it’s a logging truck hauling timber through the Piney Woods on FM 31 or a frac sand hauler merging onto the interstate near the Waskom weigh station, the risk is constant. An 18-wheeler is up to 25 times heavier than a standard sedan, and when a driver violates federal safety rules in Waskom, no amount of safety features in your car can fully protect you from the laws of physics.

We don’t treat your case like a standard insurance claim because we know it’s a battle for your future. As our client Chad Harris once said, when you work with us, you are not just a client—you are family. That means we fight for you with the same tenacity we would for our own kin, ensuring that every negligent party in Waskom is held fully accountable.

Why 25+ Years of Federal Experience Matters in Waskom

Trucking litigation is significantly more complex than a typical car wreck case. These accidents involve a dense web of federal regulations, state laws, and corporate liability structures that require a specialist’s touch. Ralph Manginello has been litigating since 1998 and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal admission is critical because most Waskom trucking accidents involve interstate commerce and are frequently moved to federal court by corporate defendants.

Furthermore, our team’s insider knowledge is our greatest asset. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He was on the other side. He sat in the meetings where they decided how to lowball victims like you and which tactics to use to delay claims. Today, he uses that “defense playbook” to anticipate their moves. We know how they evaluate cases, and we know how to force them to pay. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families, and we’re ready to bring that same aggressive representation to your Waskom case.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR) and Your Waskom Case

The cornerstone of a successful trucking lawsuit in Waskom is proving that the driver or the carrier violated the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are the laws of the land for Every 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle on Waskom’s roads. When these rules are broken, it is powerful evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) and Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is a silent killer in Waskom. Drivers entering Texas from the east have often spent hours on the road through Mississippi and Louisiana. Federal law dictates strict limits:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break: A break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

When a driver pulls into a Waskom truck stop after faking their logs to meet a deadline, they are a hazard. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data immediately to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Files

Trucking companies in Waskom have a non-negotiable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a file for every driver that includes their medical certificate, road test results, and an annual review of their driving record. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving and that driver caused a crash in Waskom, we pursue a claim for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Commercial vehicles must be maintained in a safe condition. Many Waskom accidents are caused by deferred maintenance—worn brakes, balding tires, or non-functioning lights. Under Part 396, every carrier must systematically inspect and repair their trucks. We look for “out-of-service” violations in the carrier’s history that show a pattern of neglecting safety for the sake of profit.

If you’ve been hit, the clock is already ticking on the evidence needed to prove these violations. Learn more about your rights in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries.

Common Truck Accident Types in Waskom

Waskom’s geography—the convergence of interstate, rural FM roads, and oilfield lease roads—creates specific types of catastrophic accidents. Understanding the physics and the cause of your specific crash is the first step in our investigation.

Jackknife Accidents on I-20

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of I-20 in Waskom. This is frequently caused by improper braking on wet roads or empty trailer weight imbalances. Because Waskom sees significant rain and occasional ice, jackknifes are a constant threat to nearby motorists who have nowhere to go.

Rollover Crashes and the Haynesville Shale

In the oilfield regions surrounding Waskom, overloaded water trucks and sand haulers are prone to rollovers. Whether it’s an overcorrection on a narrow FM road or excessive speed on a curved lease road, a rolling 80,000-pound truck is an unsurvivable event for any car in its path.

Underride Collisions and Visibility

Underride crashes are among the most fatal in Harrison County. This happens when a car slides beneath the side or rear of a trailer, often shearing the roof off the passenger vehicle. Poor lighting on 18-wheelers or missing underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86) often leads to these tragedies, especially at night on the rural stretches of Highway 80 outside Waskom.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents

A semi-truck has massive blind spots on all four sides. When a driver fails to check these zones before merging on the crowded lanes near the Waskom weigh station, they can crush smaller vehicles. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with modern collision-avoidance technology that could have prevented the disaster.

Logging Truck Failures in East Texas

Waskom sits in the heart of East Texas timber country. Logging trucks pose unique risks, including cargo spills. If timber is improperly secured (49 CFR § 393.100), logs can become lethal projectiles on Waskom’s two-lane roads. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of commercial loading negligence, including a $5+ million recovery for a traumatic brain injury.

Liable Parties: Why We Target More Than Just the Driver

One of the biggest mistakes a general practice lawyer makes in Waskom is only suing the truck driver. To maximize your recovery, we cast a wide net, identifying every entity whose negligence contributed to the crash.

1. The Trucking Company: They are responsible for their employees’ actions (Respondeat Superior) and their own failures in hiring and maintenance.
2. Corporate Parents (Walmart/Amazon/FedEx): If a branded truck hit you in Waskom, we use “ostensible agency” to hold the multi-billion dollar parent company accountable.
3. Oilfield Operators: If a water truck was hauling for a major E&P company in the Haynesville Shale, that operator may be liable for negligent contractor selection.
4. Loading Companies: Improperly weighted or secured loads cause rollovers. We find the company that loaded the trailer.
5. Maintenance Facilities: If a third-party mechanic in Waskom or Shreveport failed to fix a known brake issue, they are on the hook.
6. Freight Brokers: Brokers who hire carriers they know have bad safety ratings can be held liable for your injuries.

We understand how corporate defendants use independent contractor structures to try to hide from liability. Lupe Peña and Ralph Manginello are experts at piercing these shields to find the money you need for your recovery. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña hoy.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol in Waskom

Evidence in a Waskom truck accident disappears within days. Trucking companies employ “Rapid Response Teams” that arrive at the scene before the debris is cleared. Their job is not to find the truth; it is to find ways to blame you.

Your Waskom Case Depends on These Records:

• ECM “Black Box” Data: This records speed, braking, and steering in the seconds before impact. Many systems overwrite this data within 30 days.
• ELD Logs: These prove if the driver was awake for 20 hours straight before hitting you in Waskom.
• Maintenance Logs: We look for deferred repairs that made the truck a ticking time bomb.
• Dashcam Footage: Both internal and external video can show driver distraction or fatigue.

The moment you hire us, we send formal spoliation letters to Everyone involved, from the driver to the corporate headquarters. We demand that all electronic data and physical evidence be preserved. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can seek severe sanctions from the court. Don’t let the evidence fade—call (888) 288-9911 immediately.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Financial Cost of a Crash

A truck accident in Waskom usually results in injuries that require a lifetime of care. We work with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to calculate every penny you will need for the rest of your life.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These often occur in Waskom rollovers or head-on crashes. A TBI changes your personality, your ability to work, and your cognitive function. Our firm has recovered settlements up to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): Resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia after a roof crush or underride. The lifetime costs for an SCI often exceed $25 million.
• Amputations: High-speed collisions on I-20 often lead to crush injuries that necessitate surgical amputation. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for limb loss cases.
• Internal Organ Damage: The massive deceleration of a truck impact causes the body’s internal organs to collide with the chest wall or seatbelt.
• Psychological Trauma (PTSD): Surviving an 80,000-pound impact is a life-altering trauma. PTSD, driving anxiety, and depression are legally compensable injuries in Waskom. Learn more about this in our video: Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?

As client Glenda Walker said, we fight to get every dime you deserve. We don’t just look at today’s bills; we look at the next 40 years of your life.

Navigating the Corporate Insurance Maze

Trucking insurance is not like car insurance. While a Waskom driver might carry $30,000 in coverage, federal law requires interstate carriers to carry much more:

• $750,000 for general freight.
• $1 Million for oil, petroleum, or large equipment.
• $5 Million for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

However, major corporate defendants like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured. This means they pay settlements out of their own bank accounts. Because every dollar comes directly from their profits, they fight harder than an insurance company might. You need a lawyer who isn’t intimidated by billion-dollar balance sheets. Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with global giants like BP and Walmart and didn’t back down.

Waskom Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim in Waskom?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting even two weeks can be fatal to your case because evidence like ELD data and black box recordings can be lost or overwritten. We recommend calling an attorney within 48 hours.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-20?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar). As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why having an attorney who can prove the trucker’s negligence is so critical in Waskom.

Is the trucking company responsible if the driver was an “independent contractor”?
Companies like Amazon often use this defense. We look at the “Right to Control” test. Did the company set the route? Did they provide the van? Did they monitor the driver with AI cameras like Netradyne? If the company exercised control over the driver’s work, we can hold them liable regardless of the “contractor” label.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we advance all the costs of the investigation, the expert witnesses, and the litigation. You don’t pay us a single dime unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the final recovery. No win, no fee—period.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending in Waskom?
We help our clients coordinate medical care, often through Letters of Protection (LOP), which allow you to receive top-tier treatment from specialists who wait for payment until your case settles. You should never skip treatment because of the cost.

Helping Endangered Families in the Haynesville Shale

The Haynesville Shale boom has brought prosperity to East Texas, but it has also brought danger to Waskom’s roads. ProPetro, NexTier, and dozens of water hauling fleets operate 24/7 on roads like FM 31 and FM 9. The drivers are often fatigued, working 80+ hours a week, and driving trucks that have been run into the ground.

If you were hit by an oilfield vehicle, you’re not just dealing with a traffic accident—you’re dealing with an industrial injury case. These cases often involve violations of both FMCSA trucking rules and OSHA worksite safety standards. Attorney Ralph Manginello understands this dual-jurisdiction landscape and how to hold the billion-dollar oil operators responsible for the carnage their contractors cause.

Your Fight Starts With One Call: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’ve been injured by a commercial vehicle in Waskom, you are at a critical crossroads. The trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need a team that will work even harder to protect yours.

With 25+ years of experience, multi-million dollar results, and a commitment to treating our clients like family, we are ready to stand with you. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler on I-20 or an Amazon delivery van in a Waskom neighborhood, your future depends on the actions you take today.

Call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911 or 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your call. Hablamos Español. We will fight tooth and nail for every dime you deserve.

Attorney Advertising: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Ralph P. Manginello is the responsible attorney for this content. Principal office located in Houston, Texas.

Case Discovery Checklist for Waskom Residents

• Did you photograph the truck’s DOT number?
• Has your attorney sent a spoliation letter to the carrier?
• Have you seen a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon for a full evaluation?
• Has the ELD data been secured to check for hours of service violations?
• Have we identified the corporate parent company and all insurance layers?

Don’t wait. Every hour matters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Ready to speak with a fighter? How Lawyers Use Past Cases to Win New Ones.

Detailed Commercial Vehicle Accident Coverage in Waskom

Dump Truck Accidents and Construction Zones

Waskom’s growth and the constant expansion of industrial facilities mean that heavy dump trucks are everywhere. These vehicles often weigh 60,000 pounds when fully loaded with gravel or dirt. If a dump truck driver is distracted or the company has neglected the brakes, the results in a construction zone are often fatal. We investigate the construction company, the hauling contractor, and the driver to find Every available insurance policy.

Garbage and Waste Truck Risks

In Waskom’s residential neighborhoods, garbage trucks from companies like Waste Management and Republic Services pose a specific hazard. These trucks have massive blind spots and operate in areas where children play and pedestrians walk. If a garbage truck backed into your vehicle or struck a pedestrian because they lacked a functioning backup camera or spotter, they are liable for the resulting trauma.

Moving Truck and U-Haul Dangers

One of the most terrifying sights on a Waskom highway is an untrained civilian driving a 26-foot U-Haul or Penske truck. These drivers don’t have CDLs and often have no idea how long it takes to stop a 20,000-pound vehicle. While the Graves Amendment protects rental companies from most vicarious liability, we pursue claims for negligent maintenance and negligent entrustment when these companies put dangerous trucks in the hands of unqualified drivers.

Transit and School Bus Accidents

There is no higher priority than the safety of Waskom’s children. If a school bus or a regional transit bus is involved in a crash, the legal situation is complicated by sovereign immunity. Government entities have strict notice requirements—often as short as 6 months. If you miss the deadline to notify the government of your claim, you forever lose your right to sue. Attorney911 understands these Harrison County government claim protocols.

Vulnerable Road Users: Bicyclists and Pedestrians

When an 18-wheeler hit a pedestrian or cyclist in Waskom, the term “accident” is too mild. It is a catastrophe. There is zero protection for someone on a bike or on foot against 80,000 pounds of steel. We often see the “Right Hook” scenario where a truck turns right in Waskom and sweeps a cyclist under the rear wheels. We argue that companies are negligent when they fail to install available blind-spot sensor technology that would have saved a life.

Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™ serving Waskom, Texas. (888) 288-9911.