Dedicated Truck Accident Advocacy for Gordon and Palo Pinto County
The impact of an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is not just a collision; it is a life-altering event. When a commercial vehicle slams into a passenger car on Interstate 20 near Gordon, the physics are unforgiving. You are facing a machine that is 20 times heavier than your own, traveling at highway speeds, often operated by a driver fighting exhaustion or a carrier that prioritized profits over your safety. In those few seconds on the road, your life changed. In the hours that follow, you need a team that acts just as fast.
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. We understand that a truck accident in Gordon is a legal emergency. Since 1998, we have stood by families in Palo Pinto County, recovering over $50 million for our clients. We don’t just see a case number; we see a family in crisis. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or an oilfield water truck, we bring federal court experience and an insider’s knowledge of insurance tactics to your fight.
Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked in insurance defense. He knows the “playbook” that trucking insurers use to minimize your pain. We use that inside knowledge to dismantle their defenses and ensure you receive every dime you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle wreck in Gordon, the clock is already ticking. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Gordon Trucking Accidents Require Specialized Legal Action
Gordon sits at a critical junction of Texas freight. With I-20 running just to the south, our community sees a constant flow of transcontinental traffic. These drivers are often at the end of long shifts, pushing toward the DFW metroplex or heading west toward Abilene. This creates a high-risk environment for fatigue-related crashes. Furthermore, our proximity to energy production zones means Gordon roads are shared with heavy oilfield equipment, sand haulers, and tankers that don’t always follow the rules of the road.
A standard car accident lawyer may not understand the complexities of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. We do. We know that proving negligence in Gordon requires digging into electronic logging devices (ELDs), analyzing black box data, and auditing driver qualification files. Ralph Manginello and our team are “Truck Accident Specialists” because we know where the evidence is hidden.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Proven Results for Palo Pinto County Families
We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic injuries across Texas. Our track record includes:
- $5+ Million Recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim.
- $3.8+ Million Recovery for an amputation case.
- $2.5+ Million Recovery specifically for a commercial trucking crash.
- Active Litigation in a $10 million lawsuit against a major institution, proving we have the resources to take on the largest defendants.
As our client Chad Harris noted, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that commitment seriously. When you hire us, you get direct access to our attorneys. You aren’t shuffled off to a case manager; you are represented by the same team that has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP and Walmart.
Ready to start your recovery? Call 888-ATTY-911. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Gordon
Every truck wreck in Gordon has a different mechanical cause. To win your case, we must understand the physics of how the accident happened and which federal regulations were violated.
Jackknife Accidents on I-20
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle. In Gordon, these often happen during sudden braking on the I-20 corridor, especially during heavy rain or unexpected icy patches. A jackknifing 18-wheeler can sweep across three lanes of traffic, creating a multi-vehicle pileup. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48, which governs brake system maintenance.
Rollover Crashes on Rural Roads
Gordon’s rural Palo Pinto County roads often feature sharp curves and uneven shoulders. If a truck driver enters a curve too fast or the cargo is improperly balanced (violating 49 CFR § 393.100), the high center of gravity causes the trailer to tip. Rollovers are frequently fatal and often involve the crushing of smaller vehicles or ejections.
Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Wrecks
An underride collision happens when a car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These are common in Gordon at nighttime or in low-visibility fog, where a truck may be turning or stopped in the road without proper reflective tape (49 CFR § 393.11). These impacts often shear off the roof of the car, leading to decapitation or catastrophic TBI.
Rear-End Collisions and Stopping Distances
A loaded semi-truck at 65 mph needs about 525 feet to stop—almost two football fields. When a driver is distracted by a dispatch device or follows too closely (49 CFR § 392.11), they cannot stop in time for Gordon traffic. The force of a rear-end collision from a truck is significantly higher than a car, often causing “seatbelt sign” internal injuries and spinal damage.
Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents
Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver fails to check their mirrors effectively before a lane change on I-20 near Gordon, they can sideswipe a passenger vehicle, forcing it off the road or into a bridge pillar. We investigate whether the mirrors were properly adjusted according to 49 CFR § 393.80.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”
When trucks swing wide to make a right turn into a Gordon business or delivery site, smaller cars can get trapped in the “squeeze.” If the driver doesn’t signal or check their mirrors, the car is crushed against the curb or a utility pole. These accidents often lead to traumatic amputations for those in the smaller vehicle.
Brake Failure and Maintenance Neglect
Brake issues contribute to nearly 30% of large truck crashes. If a trucking company skips inspections to save money, they are violating 49 CFR Part 396. We subpoena the truck’s maintenance logs to see if they were returning vehicles to Gordon roads with known defects.
Oilfield Trucking Accidents (Barnett Shale)
Gordon is in the heart of Texas energy territory. We see specialized vehicles daily:
- Frac Sand Haulers: Often overweight and prone to rollovers.
- Water Tankers: Liquid cargo “slosh” makes these difficult to handle on rural curves.
- Crude Tankers: HAZMAT risks requiring a $5 million insurance minimum.
- Crew Vans: 15-passenger vans carrying workers that are notorious for high-speed rollovers.
If you were hit by an oilfield truck, call us at (888) 288-9911. These cases involve complex liability between the carrier and the oil company.
| Accident Type | Primary Negligence | Gordon Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Jackknife | Braking/Speed | I-20 high-speed corridors |
| Rollover | Cargo/Curves | Palo Pinto rural curves |
| Underride | Lighting/Guards | Night driving/Fog |
| Rear-End | Distraction/Fatigue | Congestion near DFW routes |
| Wide Turn | Mirror Failure | Local business deliveries |
| Tire Blowout | Maintenance | Summer heat on TX-193 |
Proving Liability: Who Is Responsible for Your Gordon Truck Accident?
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming only the driver is at fault. At Attorney911, we cast a wide net because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage available for your recovery.
- The Truck Driver: Responsible for speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): Liable under “respondeat superior” for their employee’s actions. They also face liability for negligent hiring if they put a driver with a bad record on Gordon roads.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pressured the driver to violate 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service) to make a delivery in Gordon.
- Loading Companies: If the load shifted because it wasn’t secured per 49 CFR § 393.102.
- Manufacturers: If a defective brake or tire caused the crash.
- Maintenance Firms: If they signed off on a faulty inspection.
- Freight Brokers: For hiring a “bottom-tier” carrier with a history of safety violations.
- Corporate Parents (Amazon/Walmart): We know how to pierce the “independent contractor” shield that companies like Amazon use to avoid liability for their Delivery Service Partners.
- Oilfield Operators: The oil company may be liable for dangerous wellsite entry points or for hiring unsafe sand haulers.
- Government Entities: If road design or lack of signage in Gordon contributed to the catastrophe.
We find them all. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put our 25+ years of experience in Gordon to work building your case.
Critical Regulations: 49 CFR and Your Gordon Case
Trucking companies are governed by strict federal laws. When they break these laws, they are “negligent per se.” We analyze every Gordon accident for these common violations:
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is the silent killer on I-20. Most drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window. If a driver has been behind the wheel for 16 hours to reach Gordon, both the driver and the company have broken federal law. We secure the ELD data to disprove “falsified logs.”
Part 391: Driver Qualification
Trucking companies must maintain a full file on every driver. Did the driver who hit you in Gordon have a valid CDL? Did they pass their medical exam? Did the company check their background? If a “DQ File” is missing, we have proof of negligent hiring.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
A pre-trip inspection is required for every journey through Palo Pinto County. If the driver skipped it and their brakes failed in Gordon, they were negligent. We look for “deferred maintenance” in the company’s annual inspection records.
Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing
Commercial drivers in Gordon must undergo random drug testing. If a driver was under the influence of stimulants to stay awake or alcohol to wind down, the liability is absolute.
Learn more about your rights in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
In Gordon, evidence disappears faster than you think. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may be at the scene before you even reach the hospital. Their goal is to “clean up” the evidence.
Within 30 days, black box data can be overwritten.
The Engine Control Module (ECM) records your speed, when you braked, and your throttle position. If that truck keeps driving through Gordon and beyond, that vital data is lost. We send Spoliation Letters immediately. These are formal legal notices that forbid the company from destroying any evidence, from the truck’s tires to the driver’s cell phone records.
Don’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Call us now at (888) 288-9911 so we can start building yours.
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery
A Gordon truck wreck doesn’t just result in cuts and bruises. We handle the most severe, life-altering cases:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of an 18-wheeler causes “axonal shearing.” Your life as a professional or a parent may never be the same. Settlements for TBI $1.5M – $9.8M+.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis requires a lifetime of care. We hire life care planners to ensure your Gordon home can be modified and your needs are met for decades. Settlements $4.7M – $25.8M+.
- Amputation: Losing a limb is traumatic and expensive. Prosthetics must be replaced every few years. Settlements $1.9M – $8.6M.
- Severe Burns: Fuel fires on I-20 can cause disfigurement and excruciating pain.
- Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration can cause your liver or spleen to rupture without outward signs.
- Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one in Gordon, we fight for justice. Settlements $1.9M – $9.5M.
We understand the medical landscape. If you are treated at a local Palo Pinto facility and need a transfer to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Fort Worth, we help track every medical event to prove your damages. We don’t just ask for medical bill reimbursement; we fight for your pain, your suffering, and your lost enjoyment of life.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Commercial Vehicle Breadth: Beyond the 18-Wheeler
Attorney911 handles cases involving every commercial vehicle in Gordon:
- Dump Trucks: Often overloaded with gravel for local construction, these weigh 60,000+ lbs.
- Garbage Trucks: Massive blind spots in Gordon residential areas.
- Concrete Mixers: High center of gravity makes them prone to “slosh” rollovers.
- Rental Trucks (U-Haul/Penske): Driven by untrained people who don’t understand Gordon road clearances.
- Delivery Vans (Amazon/FedEx): Under extreme time pressure, often leading to reckless driving in Gordon neighborhoods.
- Tow Trucks: Often operating on I-20 shoulders, creating high-risk zones.
- Buses: Transit, school, and charter bus crashes involving multiple victims.
Hit by a company truck? Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We know how to find the corporate insurance policies that hide behind small LLC names.
Understanding Texas Insurance and Your Gordon Claim
Texas law is specific regarding truck accident recovery. We apply these rules to every Gordon case:
The 51% Bar Rule
Texas follows modified comparative negligence. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the Gordon crash, you recover nothing. If you are 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. The trucking company will try to blame you to avoid paying. Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, knows exactly how to stop them.
Minimum Insurance Limits
- General Freight: $750,000.
- Oil/Hazardous Waste: $5 million.
Corporate giants like Walmart or Amazon often self-insure for even higher amounts. They have “deep pockets,” but they use those pockets to hire armies of lawyers. You need Ralph Manginello—a fighter who has been winning these battles since 1998.
Learn more about insurance in our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag
Gordon Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim in Gordon?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the wreck. However, you should never wait. Witness memories fade and evidence on I-20 vanishes days after the crash.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
Interstate trucking often means your case could be heard in Federal Court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and is prepared for federal litigation.
Will I have to pay for a lawyer up front?
No. We work for you for free until we win. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us an attorney fee.
Can I sue the oil company if a sand truck hit me?
Yes, if we can prove the oil company had a “right to control” the driver’s actions or provided unsafe lease roads near Gordon.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
NEVER. The first offer is a “lowball” designed to make you go away before you know the full cost of your future surgeries or lost earning capacity.
Who pays my medical bills while I wait for a settlement?
We help you navigate this. You may use your primary health insurance, MedPay, or we can work with Gordon medical providers using a Letter of Protection (LOP).
Gordon Area Trust and Credibility
Attorney911 maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google with over 251 reviews. We are member of the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association — Million Dollar Member and have been featured on ABC13, KHOU, and the Houston Chronicle. We serve Gordon with a combination of high-powered legal skill and small-town personal attention.
As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take the tough cases. We find the evidence others miss. We fight for Palo Pinto County.
If you have been in a Gordon trucking accident, you are in a legal emergency. Do not wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. They won’t. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911 today for your free, confidential consultation. Your family. Your future. Your fight.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
1-888-ATTY-911
https://attorney911.com
Available 24/7 for Gordon and surrounding areas.
Hablamos Español.
This content is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a contract is signed. Cases resolved by Ralph Manginello or Attorney911. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.