Texhoma Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Litigation Guide
The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial truck hitting your car on US-54 in Texhoma is something no one is ever truly prepared for. In an instant, the peaceful drive through Sherman County turns into a fight for survival. While you are focused on healing and the uncertainty of your future, the trucking company has likely already deployed a rapid-response team to the scene. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello and our team at Attorney911 have stood as a shield for families in Texhoma against these corporate giants. With over 25 years of experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, our founder brings the heavy-hitting federal litigation experience required to win these complex cases.
If you have been hurt in a trucking accident in Texhoma, you aren’t just dealing with a “big car wreck.” You are dealing with a complex web of federal regulations, multiple layers of corporate insurance, and a legal system that moves fast. We understand that in Texhoma, your family and your livelihood are everything. As client Chad Harris said after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take that responsibility seriously. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a grain hauler, or a corporate delivery van, we are here to fight for every dime you deserve.
The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Texhoma
Texhoma sits at a unique crossroads. As a critical gateway between Texas and Oklahoma, the flow of commercial traffic through our town never stops. US-54 is one of the most vital freight corridors in the United States, connecting the Gulf Coast eventually to the Midwest. For residents of Texhoma, this means sharing our local roads with thousands of semi-trucks, agricultural haulers, and oilfield tankers daily.
Trucking accidents in Texhoma are often more devastating than those in urban areas because of the speeds involved on our open highways and the remote nature of our roads. When a crash happens on SH-15 or near the grain elevators, medical help is not always just minutes away. The distance to major trauma centers in Amarillo means that every second counts, and the injuries sustained are often permanent.
We know that trucking companies favor the remote stretches of Sherman County to push their drivers to the limit. When a driver has been behind the wheel for 14 hours straight to make a deadline in Texhoma, they aren’t just a driver—they are a danger to every family on the road. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, uses over two decades of experience to expose these violations and hold the companies accountable for the trauma they cause.
Why Texhoma Residents Need an 18-Wheeler Specialist
You might think any lawyer can handle a vehicle accident, but 18-wheeler cases in Texhoma require a specific set of skills. These cases involve the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), complex electronic data like “black boxes,” and defendants like Walmart or Amazon who have unlimited resources to fight your claim.
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning the exact “playbook” that trucking insurers use to minimize, delay, and deny claims. He knows how they try to trick you into giving a recorded statement that can ruin your case. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Texhoma victims. We don’t just guess what the insurance company is thinking—we already know because we’ve seen it from the other side.
If you are hurting after a crash, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing up front, and we only get paid if we win your case. In Texhoma, we are your first responders to a legal emergency.
49 CFR: The Federal Laws That Protect Texhoma Drivers
When an 18-wheeler causes a wreck in Texhoma, the first thing we look at is whether they broke federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has created Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations to keep the public safe. When these rules are ignored in Sherman County, people get killed.
Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Rules)
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck wrecks on the long stretches of highway surrounding Texhoma. Under 49 CFR Part 395, property-carrying drivers are strictly limited in how long they can work.
- The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- The 14-Hour Window: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
When we investigate a crash in Texhoma, we immediately subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data. Many times, we find that the driver was pressured by the trucking company to “fudge” their logs to get a load to a Texhoma grain elevator or a distribution center on time. This is a direct violation of federal law and powerful evidence of negligence.
Part 391: Driver Qualifications
Trucking companies in Texhoma have a duty to ensure they aren’t putting dangerous people behind the wheel. 49 CFR Part 391 requires motor carriers to maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. This file must include their driving record, a valid medical certificate, and results of their road tests. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets and that driver later hit you in Texhoma, the company is liable for negligent hiring.
Part 393 and 396: Parts and Maintenance
At 80,000 pounds, a truck with bad brakes is a weapon. 49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. Drivers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections every single day. If a truck’s brakes failed on US-54 because the company deferred maintenance to save money, it is not an “accident”—it is a choice. We have recovered over $50 million for families because we know how to dig into these maintenance logs and find the proof of neglect.
Learn more about these complex rules in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.
The Texhoma 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
The most important thing you need to know after a truck wreck in Texhoma is that evidence disappears. The trucking company’s lawyers are already moving. They want to repair the truck, overwrite the data, and get back on the road.
The Black Box (ECM) Data
Nearly every modern semi-truck moving through Texhoma is equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM). This “black box” records exactly what happened in the seconds before impact. It tells us:
- How fast the truck was going.
- When the driver hit the brakes (or if they hit them at all).
- The throttle position.
- If the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
In many systems, this data is overwritten in as little as 30 days. If you wait months to hire a lawyer for your Texhoma accident, the most important piece of evidence in your case could be gone forever.
The Spoliation Letter
The moment you hire us, we send a formal “spoliation letter” to the trucking company and their insurance carrier. This is a legal demand to preserve all evidence, from the ELD logs to the physical truck itself. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, they can face massive sanctions in a Sherman County court.
We move fast because we have to. As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We don’t let evidence grow cold. If you were hit on a Texhoma road, call 888-ATTY-911 within 48 hours to ensure your rights are protected.
Common Truck Accident Types in Texhoma
The physics of an 18-wheeler crash are unlike anything else. Because semi-trucks are articulated (meaning they have a pivot point), they can lose control in ways a normal car cannot. We have seen every type of commercial crash on Texhoma roads.
Jackknife Accidents
On the wind-swept plains of Texhoma, high winds and sudden rain can cause a trailer to lose traction. If the driver brakes improperly, the trailer can swing out at a 90-degree angle, sweeping across all lanes of US-54. These “jackknife” wrecks often cause multi-vehicle pileups where Texhoma families are trapped with nowhere to go.
Rollover Crashes
A semi-truck has a very high center of gravity. If a driver takes the turn onto SH-15 too fast or if their cargo shifts, the entire rig can tip. Rollovers are particularly deadly because they often crush smaller vehicles beneath the weight of the trailer. If the truck was carrying hazardous materials or crude oil through Texhoma, a rollover can also lead to fires or toxic spills.
Underride Collisions
An underride collision is one of the most horrifying events imaginable. This happens when a car strikes the side or rear of a trailer and slides underneath it. Because human heads are at the same level as the trailer bed, these accidents often result in decapitation or fatal traumatic brain injuries. Federal law requires some rear guards (Mansfield bars), but many are poorly maintained or missing entirely. If you lost a loved one in an underride crash in Texhoma, we are here to hold the manufacturer and trucking carrier responsible.
Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents
Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver in Texhoma changes lanes without checking their mirrors properly, they can sideswipe a car and push them off the road. The “Right Side No-Zone” is the largest and most dangerous. Truckers have a duty to ensure the lane is clear before moving, and “I didn’t see them” is never a valid legal excuse for hitting a Texhoma neighbor.
For a deeper look at your rights, see: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4.
Identifying Liable Parties in Texhoma Truck Wrecks
One reason trucking cases are so valuable is that you can often sue more than just the driver. Our strategy is to find every insurance policy available to compensate you for your losses. In a typical Texhoma 18-wheeler wreck, multiple parties might be to blame:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: Under “respondeat superior,” the employer is liable for the employee’s mistakes.
- The Training Company: If the driver was never taught how to handle Texhoma’s high winds.
- The Maintenance Shop: If the brakes or tires were not serviced correctly.
- The Cargo Loader: If the cargo was not secured properly, leading to a shift and a rollover.
- The Freight Broker: If they hired a carrier they knew had a “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Manufacturer: If a defective part like a tire or steering column failed on SH-15.
- Corporate Parents: If the truck was delivering for a giant like Walmart or Amazon, we may be able to sue the parent corporation.
Most local lawyers only looking at the driver. We look at the whole system. By identifying more liable parties, we open up more insurance pools, which is how we secure the multi-million dollar results our clients need for their recovery.
Corporate Fleet Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx
In Texhoma, we see branded trucks every hour of every day. Whether it’s a Walmart truck coming from a distribution center or a blue Amazon van making a last-mile delivery, these companies operate differently than standard trucking firms.
The Amazon “Independent Contractor” Defense
If an Amazon van hits you in Texhoma, Amazon will likely say, “That’s not our driver. They work for a Delivery Service Partner.” This is a liability shield designed to protect their billions of dollars. But we know how to pierce that shield. Amazon controls the route, the timing, and even monitors the driver with AI cameras. We argue that because Amazon has the “right to control” the driver, they are the true employer.
The Walmart Self-Insurance Advantage
Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They are often “self-insured,” meaning they pay claims from their own corporate bank account. They fight very hard because every dollar they pay you is a dollar out of their profit. You need a lawyer like Ralph Manginello who has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won. We litigated against BP after the Texas City explosion—we are not intimidated by big corporate legal teams.
If a corporate vehicle hit you, call (888) 288-9911 immediately. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 for help today.
Oilfield Trucking Dangers in the Texhoma Region
While Texhoma is known for agriculture, we are also part of a broader energy region. Frac sand haulers, water trucks, and crude oil tankers frequent our roads. These oilfield trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles in Texas.
Oilfield drivers often work 12-to-14-hour shifts in brutal conditions and then have to drive back through Texhoma to their base. Fatigue is rampant. Furthermore, many of these trucks are “hot shot” deliveries where the driver is paid per load, giving them a financial incentive to speed and take risks.
If you were injured by an oilfield vehicle, you may have a claim against the trucking company AND the oil company that hired them. Oil companies have a duty to vet their contractors for safety. If an ExxonMobil or ConocoPhillips contractor hit you in Texhoma and they had a history of safety violations, the oil company can be held liable for negligent selection.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future in Texhoma
Truck accidents don’t just leave you with a dented bumper; they leave you with life-altering injuries. We represent Texhoma victims who are facing the hardest days of their lives.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can happen even if your head doesn’t hit the window. The violent shaking of a truck impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. This results in memory loss, mood swings, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for brain injury victims.
Learn more in our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When an 18-wheeler hits you, the force often breaks the delicate bones of the spine. Whether it is a herniated disc that requires surgery or a complete spinal cord severance that causes paralysis, the costs are astronomical. Lifetime care for a quadriplegic can exceed $25 million. You cannot afford to accept a “quick settlement” from an insurance adjuster that doesn’t account for your next 40 years of medical needs.
Amputations and Severe Burns
Crush injuries in Texhoma wrecks often lead to the loss of a limb. We have secured settlements up to $8.6 million for amputation cases. If the truck’s fuel tank ruptures on SH-15, the resulting fire can cause third-degree burns that require painful skin grafts and lead to permanent disfigurement. We fight to ensure your settlement includes the cost of the best prosthetics and reconstructive surgeries available.
Wrongful Death in Texhoma
There is no greater tragedy than losing a family member to a truck driver’s negligence. In Texhoma, we help surviving spouses, children, and parents file wrongful death claims. You may be entitled to recover for the loss of your loved one’s future income, the loss of their companionship, and the mental anguish your family is suffering. Since 1998, we have recovered millions of dollars for Texas families in these heartbreaking cases.
Texas Statute of Limitations and Texhoma Courts
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to recover anything, regardless of how bad your injuries are. However, for government-owned trucks or mail vehicles, the deadlines to give notice can be much shorter—sometimes just months.
If your crash happened in Texhoma, your case may be heard in the Sherman County District Court. If the trucking company is based in another state, the case may be moved to the U.S. District Court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and has the experience to win in both environments.
Insurance Tactics: What Texhoma Victims Must Avoid
Insurance companies are not in the business of being fair; they are in the business of profit. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster might call you just days after the crash on US-54. They might sound friendly and ask “how you’re doing.” Don’t be fooled.
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.” Insurance companies tell you “no” in hopes that you’ll go away. We don’t take “no” for an answer.
The Lowball Offer
The first offer is ALWAYS a lowball offer. They want you to sign a release before you know that you need spinal surgery or that your TBI is permanent. If you sign that paper, you can never ask for more money. We tell our Texhoma clients: Never sign anything without us.
Blaming the Victim
The insurance company will try to say the accident was your fault. They will say you were in the truck’s blind spot or that you didn’t brake fast enough. Because Texas uses a “51% bar” rule, if they can prove you were more than 50% at fault, you get zero. We use accident reconstruction experts to prove the trucker was the one who broke the rules.
Learn what not to say in our video: “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E.
Commercial Vehicle Types We Handle in Texhoma
An 18-wheeler is the most common commercial threat, but we represent victims hit by every type of business vehicle on Sherman County roads.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Loaded dump trucks and cement mixers are incredibly heavy—often 60,000 to 70,000 pounds. They have unique hazards like “slosh effect” in concrete drums that causes rollovers on turns. If a construction truck hit you near a Texas DOT work site in Texhoma, call us. We know how to trace the liability back to the general contractor.
Garbage Trucks and Waste Haulers
Garbage trucks operate in neighborhoods where our children play. They have massive blind spots and often back up without a spotter. If a waste management vehicle caused an injury in Texhoma, we act fast to secure the route records and onboard camera footage.
Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul)
Here is a scary fact: Anyone with a regular driver’s license can rent a 26-foot U-Haul and drive it through Texhoma with zero training. These drivers don’t understand stopping distances or how top-heavy these trucks are. While U-Haul tries to hide behind the Graves Amendment, we investigate the rental company for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment.
Public Transit and School Buses
If a school bus or a regional transit bus is involved in a crash, different rules apply. Because most of these are government-owned, you have to follow strict “tort claim” procedures and may face damage caps. We understand the specific laws that govern bus accidents in Texhoma and will ensure your claim is filed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions for Texhoma Residents
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
This is the most common trick companies like Amazon and FedEx Ground use. They claim they aren’t responsible for the driver. We fight this by proving the company controlled the driver’s schedule, route, and equipment. In many cases, we can prove the driver was an employee “in fact,” allowing us to sue the billion-dollar corporation.
Can I get a settlement if I was hit in the truck’s blind spot?
Yes. Just because you were in a “No-Zone” doesn’t mean the truck driver isn’t at fault. Federal regulations (49 CFR 393.80) require trucks to be equipped with mirrors and safety systems that allow them to see surrounding traffic. If a trucker in Texhoma merges into you, it is their failure to maintain a safe lookout.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost in Texhoma?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee. You pay nothing up front. We pay for all the experts, the filing fees, and the investigation. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee. We take the risk so you can focus on your health.
What is my Texhoma truck accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement. Every case depends on your medical bills, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. However, trucking companies are required to carry $750,000 to $5,000,000 in insurance. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims precisely because we know how to access these high-limit policies.
How long do I have to file my claim?
In Texhoma, the Texas statute of limitations is 2 years. But if the truck was a municipal vehicle or a federal mail truck, you may have as little as 90 days to 6 months to file a formal notice. This is why you must call a lawyer immediately.
What if the accident happened on the Oklahoma side of Texhoma?
Ralph Manginello is licensed in multiple states and our team can handle cases that cross state lines. Trucking is an interstate business, and federal court admission allows us to follow the trucking company wherever they are based.
Should I call the police for a “minor” truck hit in Texhoma?
ALWAYS call the police. An 18-wheeler can cause internal damage to your car that isn’t visible, and your body may not feel the pain until the adrenaline wears off. A police report is the most important piece of documentation for your insurance claim.
Why Texhoma Families Choose Attorney911
When you’ve been hit by 80,000 pounds of steel, you don’t need a lawyer who just fills out paperwork. You need a fighter. Since 1998, we have been taking on the world’s largest companies—Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, BP—and making them pay for the lives they’ve disrupted.
We understand that you are going through a legal emergency. We are not a giant firm where you’ll never talk to your lawyer. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We take care of our clients because we know that in Texhoma, the community is small and your reputation is everything.
- 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been litigating since 1998.
- Federal Court Admission: We can take your case to the highest courts if necessary.
- Defense Perspective: Our team knows the insurance company’s secrets.
- No Win, No Fee: You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
- Proven Results: $50+ million recovered for injury victims.
Take Action Today for Your Texhoma Claim
The trucking company has a team working against you right now. They are reviewing the black box, interviewing the driver, and looking for ways to blame you. You need your own team—one with the resources and the toughness to fight back.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Don’t let the insurance company lowball your family’s future. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your call and begin the investigation into your Texhoma truck accident.
Your recovery starts with one call. Let us handle the legal battle so you can focus on getting your life back.
Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
Call now: 1-888-288-9911 or visit us at https://attorney911.com.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
