Overton Truck Accident Lawyer: Fighting for the Injured in Rusk County

The impact was catastrophic. On a quiet road outside Overton, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle without warning. In that split second, your life changed forever. Now, you’re facing a mountain of medical bills, a destroyed car, and an insurance company that’s already looking for ways to pay you less than you deserve. At Attorney911, we believe you shouldn’t have to carry the weight of a multi-billion dollar trucking company’s negligence on your own.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years holding these massive corporations accountable. Since 1998, he has defended the rights of families in Overton and throughout the East Texas oil patch. We aren’t a generic national firm with an 800-number. We’re Texas trial lawyers who know Overton’s roads, from the heavy oilfield traffic on Highway 135 to the high-speed corridors of I-20. When an 18-wheeler, an oilfield tanker, or a corporate delivery van upends your life, we act as your first responders to a legal emergency.

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Overton, don’t wait. Every hour you delay is an hour the trucking company uses to hide evidence. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español.

Why Experience Matters After an Overton 18-Wheeler Wreck

Trucking companies don’t wait to build their defense. Before the ambulance even leaves the scene on an Overton road, the motor carrier has already dispatched a rapid-response team. They have investigators taking photos, adjusters interviewing witnesses, and lawyers finding ways to blame you. You need a team that moves just as fast.

Attorney911 brings a unique advantage to your case. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the national defense firms that protect insurance companies. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. He understands how they value claims, how they use algorithms to lowball victims, and where they hide coverages. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. Coupled with Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of federal and state trial experience, we provide a level of representation that makes the big insurers take notice.

We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” In Overton, we treat every neighbor who walks through our door with that same level of dedication and respect.

The 48-Hour Evidence Rule: Why Overton Victims Must Act Now

In a typical car wreck, the police report and your photos might be enough. In an Overton truck accident, the most important evidence is electronic, and it belongs to the trucking company. This evidence is at extreme risk of being lost or destroyed.

The Overwrite Risk

The Engine Control Module (ECM), often called the “black box,” records your speed, braking patterns, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or even sooner if the truck is put back into service. If that truck leaves Overton and keeps driving, the proof of the driver’s negligence could be erased forever.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

Since December 2017, federal law (49 CFR § 395.8) has required most truckers to use ELDs. This data proves whether the driver was violating “Hours of Service” rules. Fatigue is a leading killer on East Texas highways. If a driver hauling equipment to an oil site near Overton had been on the road for 15 hours straight, the ELD is the only objective proof.

Our Immediate Action Plan

When you hire us, we don’t wait for the “process” to start. Within 24-48 hours, we send a formal spoliation letter to the trucking company and their insurer. This legal notice demands that they preserve:

• The truck’s black box and EDR data
• All ELD driving logs and GPS telematics
• Driver qualification files (CDLs, medical cards, and drug test results)
• In-cab camera footage (like Netradyne or Lytx systems)
• Maintenance and inspection records for the last 12 months

Don’t let the evidence of what happened to you in Overton disappear. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now so we can lock down the facts.

Common Truck Accident Types on Overton Roads

Overton sits in the heart of the historic East Texas Oil Field and near the Haynesville Shale. This geography creates a unique mix of truck traffic that requires specific legal knowledge to navigate. We handle every type of commercial vehicle accident that occurs in our community.

1. Oilfield Vehicle Accidents (Sand, Water, and Crude)

Overton is surrounded by active wellsites and lease roads. We see an incredible volume of specialized oilfield trucks, and they are prone to specific types of accidents:

• Produced Water Tanker Rollovers: These trucks carry thousands of gallons of salt water. The “slosh effect” makes them incredibly unstable on the narrow, winding FM roads around Overton.
• Frac Sand Hauler Collisions: These pneumatic trailers are often overloaded to maximize profit. An overweight sand truck on Highway 135 can’t stop in time for a red light, leading to devastating rear-end crashes.
• Crude Oil Tanker Spills: Any collision involving a crude hauler is a HAZMAT emergency. We investigate whether the carrier followed 49 CFR Part 397 regulations for transporting hazardous materials.
• Crew transport van wrecks: Oilfield workers are often transported in 15-passenger vans at 4:30 AM. These vans have a documented rollover risk, and the drivers are often as fatigued as the crews they carry.

2. Jackknife Accidents on I-20 and Regional Highways

A jackknife happens when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. If a driver slams on their brakes on a rain-slicked Overton road, the trailer’s momentum can sweep across three lanes of traffic. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, a truck’s brakes must be in perfect adjustment. We often find that poorly maintained brake systems are the root cause of these violent pileups.

3. Underride Collisions

These are the most lethal accidents we handle. If an 18-wheeler stops suddenly on a dark road near Overton without proper reflective tape (required by 49 CFR § 393.11), a car can slide underneath the trailer. These impacts often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma because the car’s safety features—like crumple zones and airbags—are bypassed as the trailer enters the passenger cabin.

4. Logging Truck Accidents

Logging is a major industry in Rusk County. When a log truck isn’t loaded properly, the uncontained timber becomes a series of high-speed battering rams. If you were injured by a log shift or a spill in the Overton area, we investigate the loading company and the securement protocols required by 49 CFR § 393.100.

5. Corporate Delivery Fleet Accidents (Amazon, Walmart, UPS)

Overton residents rely on e-commerce, which means Amazon vans and FedEx trucks are in our neighborhoods every day. These companies use complex “independent contractor” models to try and shield themselves from liability.

• Amazon DSP Accidents: Amazon monitors its drivers with four AI cameras and the Mentor app. We know how to subpoena that data to prove they were pressuring the driver to meet unsafe delivery quotas.
• Walmart Truck Accidents: Walmart operates its own massive fleet. When one of their 18-wheelers causes a wreck near Overton, we go head-to-head with their internal legal team.

Whether you were hit by a cement mixer, a dump truck, or a big rig, you deserve a lawyer who knows the physics of the crash. Call (888) 288-9911 today.

Determining All Liable Parties: Why We Cast a Wide Net

Most people think you just sue the driver. In a Overton truck accident case, that is almost never enough. To maximize your recovery and ensure your medical bills are paid, we investigate the entire chain of command. More defendants mean more insurance policies to protect your future.

The Driver

While the driver’s negligence—speeding, distraction, or fatigue—is usually the immediate cause, they often have limited assets. We look for proof of cell phone use or Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR Part 395.

The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for the actions of its employees. We take it a step further by pursuing claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they hire a driver with a history of DUIs or reckless driving?
• Negligent Training: Did they skip the safety modules mandated by Part 391?
• Negligent Maintenance: Did they keep the truck on Overton roads even though the brakes were failing?

The Oilfield Operator or Lease Holder

If the truck was working for an oil company like ExxonMobil or Chevron on a local lease, that company may share liability. If they failed to maintain a safe lease road or created a schedule that forced the trucker to drive while fatigued, they are part of the problem.

Freight Brokers and Shippers

Under 49 CFR Part 390, those who arrange transportation have a duty to hire safe carriers. If a broker hired a “bottom-tier” carrier with a failing safety score to save a few dollars, that broker is liable for your injuries.

The Manufacturing and Parts Companies

Did a tire blowout cause the truck to veer into your lane? Was it a retread that should have been retired months ago? We investigate tire manufacturers and maintenance shops to see if defective parts or service contributed to the Overton crash.

We leave no stone unturned. If someone’s fingerprints are on the negligence that hurt you in Overton, we will find them. Call us at 888-ATTY-911.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries and Their Value

Truck crashes don’t cause “fender benders.” They cause life-altering trauma. We have spent 25 years helping Overton families through the most difficult times of their lives.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even a “mild” concussion can leave you unable to concentrate at work or remember your children’s schedules. Severe TBIs can require 24/7 care for the rest of your life. Our firm has achieved settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for brain injury victims. We work with neurologists to document the Coup-Contrecoup mechanism and diffuse axonal injuries that insurance companies try to ignore.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A vertebral fracture or a severed spinal cord is a permanent change. The lifetime cost of care for a paraplegic or quadriplegic victim can exceed $5 million. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers home modifications, specialized vehicles, and decades of physical therapy.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Whether a limb was lost at the scene or must be surgically removed later, the trauma is immense. Beyond the initial surgery, you face a lifetime of prosthetic replacements and phantom limb pain. We’ve secured amputation settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million to provide the resources our clients need to move forward.

Severe Burns and Disfigurement

Friction burns from the asphalt or thermal burns from a fuel tank explosion leave permanent scars. These injuries require multiple skin grafts and carry a heavy psychological toll. We fight for compensation that acknowledges both the physical pain and the mental anguish of disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a loved one on an Overton highway, no amount of money can fill that void. However, a wrongful death claim can provide the financial security your family needs for the future. Texas law allows you to recover for the loss of companionship, lost future income, and the mental anguish of your loss. Our wrongful death recoveries frequently reach multi-million dollar ranges.

Your recovery is our priority. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an empathetic, confidential consultation.

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Winning Your Overton Case

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for every commercial truck on Overton’s roads. Violating these rules is “negligence per se,” meaning if we prove they broke the law, they are liable.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are qualified. This means having a valid Med-Card, passing a background check, and having a current CDL. If a company hired a driver who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel, that’s a direct path to victory for your case.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the “silent killer” in East Texas. HOS rules generally limit driving to 11 hours per day. Drivers who fake their logs to make a delivery in Tyler or Longview faster are putting everyone in Overton at risk. We know how to catch them by comparing their ELD data with fuel receipts and toll records.

49 CFR Part 396: Maintenance and Repair

Every truck must be “systematically inspected.” This includes a daily pre-trip and post-trip report. Most 18-wheeler accidents we investigate involve neglected brakes or bald tires. When a carrier skips maintenance to save time, they’re treating your safety as an expense they can cut.

49 CFR Part 382: Drug and Alcohol Testing

Motor carriers must perform random drug testing. In the high-pressure environment of the oilfield, some drivers turn to stimulants to stay awake. If a post-accident drug test is positive, or if the company failed to perform the required screening, we hold them fully accountable.

Ralph Manginello knows these regulations inside and out. He uses federal law as a weapon to get justice for Overton victims. Call 888-ATTY-911.

The Insurance Battle: Why Lupe Peña’s Background Is Your Advantage

Commercial trucking insurance is not like your personal auto policy. While Texas minimums for car insurance are often as low as $30,000, 18-wheelers are required by federal law to carry at least $750,000—and HAZMAT carriers must carry $5 million.

Large companies like Walmart, Amazon, or ExxonMobil are “self-insured.” This means they pay claims from their own corporate coffers up to a certain point before their excess insurance kicks in. Because this money comes directly out of their profits, they fight twice as hard to deny your claim.

This is where Lupe Peña makes the difference. Having worked for the other side, he understands how these companies evaluate risk. He knows when an adjuster is stalling and when they are genuinely afraid of a jury. We don’t accept first offers, because we know the first offer is designed to save the company money, not cover your medical bills. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial in a Rusk County courtroom. This trial-ready reputation is why we get the settlements our clients deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions for Overton Accident Victims

How much does it cost to hire an Overton truck accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all the costs of the experts, the accident reconstruction, and the filing fees. You only pay us if we win your case. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.

The trucking company’s adjuster called me. Should I talk to them?
No. They are trained to ask leading questions that make you seem at fault. They might act friendly, but they are looking for ways to use your words against you. Tell them you’re in the process of hiring an attorney and hang up. Then, call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911.

What if the accident happened on an oilfield lease road?
Don’t worry. Even if the accident happened on private property, the rules of negligence still apply. In fact, these cases often involve OSHA violations on top of standard traffic laws, providing even more evidence for your claim.

The driver who hit me in Overton was an independent contractor. Can I still sue the company?
Yes. Whether through the “Right-to-Control” test or agency theories, we can often pierce the contractor shield. If the company set the route, required a specific uniform, or monitored the driver via cameras, they are likely responsible for that driver’s actions.

What is my truck accident case worth?
There is no “calculator” that provides an accurate number. Every case depends on the severity of your injuries, the clarity of the trucking company’s fault, and the amount of insurance available. However, because of the higher insurance requirements, trucking settlements are often ten to one hundred times larger than standard car wreck cases.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Overton?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for a truck accident, you should never wait two years. Evidence like black box data and driver logs can be gone in months.

Trust the Overton Truck Accident Specialists

When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent a quarter-century in the trenches of personal injury law. He has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won. He has litigated complex industrial disputes and federal trucking violations across the South.

We take your case personally because we know what’s at stake: your mobility, your ability to provide for your family, and your peace of mind. We handle the paperwork, the expert witnesses, and the aggressive insurance adjusters so you can focus on getting your life back.

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 don’t back down from difficult cases, and we don’t let insurance companies push our neighbors around.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Take the first step toward justice for your family. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you in Overton and across East Texas. Hablamos Español.

Our Contact Information

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

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.