Texhoma Truck Accident Lawyer: Your Guide to 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Litigation

The impact was catastrophic. On US-54 or US-287 passing through Texhoma, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In that one split second, your life changed forever. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler, an oilfield water truck, or a corporate delivery van, you’re currently facing a legal emergency. Trucking companies don’t wait to protect their interests—they have rapid-response teams on the ground in Sherman County before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You need a fighter who moves just as fast.

At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent more than 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Since 1998, Ralph has gone head-to-head with some of the largest corporations on the planet, including BP and Walmart, recovering over $50 million for families across Texas. When you call us, you aren’t just another case number. You’re part of a firm where, as our client Chad Harris put it, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We understand the unique trucking landscape of the Texas Panhandle. Texhoma is a crossroads of commerce, where massive agricultural haulers and oilfield service trucks share narrow roads with local families. We know how to hold these companies accountable. Our team includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who used to work on the other side. He used to defend insurance companies, so he knows their playbook, their tactics, and exactly how they try to lowball victims. We use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

If you’ve been hurt, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in Texhoma truck accidents—like electronic log data and black box recordings—can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-risk consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case. [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]

Why Texhoma Trucking Accidents are Different

Trucking in the Panhandle isn’t like driving in a city. In Texhoma, you have 80,000-pound missiles traveling at 70 mph across flat, wind-swept stretches of US-54 and US-287. These roads are the lifeblood of American shipping and the energy sector, but they’re also corridors of danger.

When a truck hit you in Texhoma, you weren’t just in a “car wreck.” You were in a collision involving a commercial vehicle regulated by strict federal laws. Proving who is at fault requires a deep understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.

The Industry Mix in Texhoma

Our regional economy runs on three things: agriculture, oil, and transcontinental shipping. This creates a specific mix of hazards on Texhoma roads:

• The Agricultural Wave: During harvest, US-54 is crowded with grain hoppers and cattle haulers. These trucks are often overloaded, which increases stopping distance and makes rollovers more likely.
• The Oilfield Convoy: We sit near the Anadarko Basin. That means water trucks, crude tankers, and frac sand haulers are a constant presence. These drivers often work brutal 12-to-14-hour shifts, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue.
• The Logistical Bridge: Texhoma is a critical link for trucks traveling between Kansas and the Texas Panhandle. Long-haul drivers passing through Sherman County are often at the tail end of their driving window, fighting to make delivery deadlines in Amarillo or Oklahoma City.

Our founder, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience to every case. Admitted to the Southern District of Texas and having litigated against massive corporate giants, he knows that the investigation must start immediately. We don’t just look at the crash scene; we look at the driver’s history, the company’s safety culture, and the maintenance logs for the vehicle.

Call 888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 because we know that accidents don’t happen on a schedule.

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence in Texhoma

Trucking companies are held to a higher standard than the average driver. These standards are found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). When an 18-wheeler causes a wreck in Texhoma, the first question we ask is: “Which federal laws did they break?”

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Rule)

This is the most critical regulation for accidents on the long stretches of road surrounding Texhoma. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours.

When a driver is hauling cattle or equipment through the Panhandle at 3 AM, the pressure to “push through” is enormous. We use Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when drivers faked their logs. If a driver was on the road for 14 or 15 hours, that isn’t just an accident—it’s a violation of federal law.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. This means checking driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions by proving that a company was negligent in its hiring. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against 13 defendants in a hazing case—demonstrating our ability to handle complex litigation with high stakes and multiple negligent parties. We apply that same tenacity to investigating whether a trucking carrier put an unqualified driver behind the wheel in Texhoma.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Equipment

Panhandle dust, extreme heat, and winter ice take a toll on equipment. FMCSA requires daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If a truck’s brakes fail on US-287, we dig into the maintenance records. Was the brake adjustment neglected to save money? Were the tires balding? [Watch our video: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc]

49 CFR Part 392: Safe Operation

This covers everything from speeding to using a handheld mobile phone. In the wide-open spaces of Texhoma, drivers often feel a false sense of security and speed up or check their phones. We subpoena cell phone records and GPS telematics to prove the driver wasn’t focused on the road.

Common Truck Accident Types in Texhoma

Understanding how a crash happened is the first step toward winning. In Texhoma, the terrain and weather play a huge role in the physics of a wreck.

Oilfield Vehicle Accidents

If you were hit by a truck in Sherman County, there’s a high probability it was related to the energy sector. We handle cases involving:

• Water Trucks: These are notoriously top-heavy and prone to rolling over on the curves of FM roads.
• Frac Sand Haulers: Often operated by independent contractors under extreme time pressure.
• Crude Tankers: A rollover can lead to spills, fires, and environmental hazards.
• Crew Vans: 15-passenger vans carrying oilfield crews are vulnerable to high-wind rollovers on the Panhandle plains.

Rollover Accidents

The high winds in Texhoma are legendary. When an empty 18-wheeler or a top-heavy cattle trailer hits a 40 mph crosswind on US-54, the trailer can act like a sail, flipping the entire rig. Companies are required to train drivers on how to handle adverse weather. If they didn’t, they are liable.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife often happens when a driver brakes too hard on a slick road or during a sudden lane change. The trailer swings out, sweeping across every lane of traffic. In the narrow two-lane roads surrounding Texhoma, there is nowhere for other drivers to go.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most lethal types of accidents we see in the Panhandle. This happens when a car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer sits at head-height for a car driver, the results are often fatal. Faulty or missing underride guards (called Mansfield bars) are a common FMCSA violation in these cases.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

In the town of Texhoma, trucks must navigate intersections designed for smaller vehicles. A driver who swings too wide without checking their mirrors can crush a car in their blind spot.

Hablamos Español. If you’ve been injured, call Lupe Peña at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our team provides direct representation in Spanish, ensuring nothing is lost in translation.

Who is Liable for Your Injuries?

One of the reasons 18-wheeler cases are so complex is that the driver is rarely the only one at fault. To get you every dime you deserve, we investigate the entire chain of command. [See our video explaining liability: Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4]

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for the actions of its drivers. They are also liable if they didn’t maintain the truck or if they encouraged drivers to violate safety rules to make more money.

Corporate Parent Companies: Walmart, Amazon, and More

Texhoma’s corridors are filled with trucks from Fortune 500 companies. We’ve litigated against giants like Walmart, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon. These companies have deep pockets—they are often self-insured for millions of dollars—but they also have armies of lawyers. We aren’t intimidated. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years taking on corporate giants and winning.

Shippers and Cargo Loaders

If cargo shifts during a turn on US-287, it’s often because it wasn’t secured properly. The company that loaded the truck can be held responsible for a rollover.

Maintenance Companies

Many trucking fleets in Texas outsource their maintenance. If a third-party shop did a bad job on the brakes or steering, they arepart of the liability web.

Manufacturing and Part Defect

A tire blowout isn’t always the driver’s fault. If the tire was defective or the brake system had a design flaw, we can pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

The 48-Hour Urgency: Preserving Evidence in Texhoma

If you’ve been in an accident, you need to understand that the evidence is disappearing right now. Trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for a few months. Even worse, the “black box” data that proves the truck’s speed and braking can be overwritten the next time the truck is driven.

What We Do Immediately

The moment you hire Attorney911, we send a Spoliation Letter. This is a formal legal notice to the trucking company and their insurance carrier demanding they preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: This tells us the truck’s speed, RPMs, and when the driver hit the brakes.
• ELD Records: The digital logs of where the driver was and how long they had been driving.
• Dashcam Footage: Many modern trucks have cameras that record the moments before impact.
• Maintenance Logs: To see if they were cutting corners on safety.
• Driver Qualification Files: To see if the driver had a history of accidents or failed drug tests.

We don’t wait for things to “play out.” We move with aggressive speed to lock down the facts. As client Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” [Learn more in our video: I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM]

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Impact

A collision with an 80,000-pound truck doesn’t cause “fender benders.” It causes life-altering, permanent injuries. At Attorney911, we understand the medical and financial toll these crashes take on Texhoma families.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent force of a truck impact often causes the brain to strike the skull. TBI can range from constant headaches to permanent cognitive loss. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements—ranging from $1.5M to nearly $10M—for victims of traumatic brain injuries. [Watch: Is a Headache Normal After a Car Accident? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo]

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Truck accidents are the leading cause of spinal trauma. Whether it’s a fractured vertebra or total paralysis, the cost of care for the rest of your life can reach into the tens of millions. We fight for the resources you need for home modifications, specialized medical equipment, and 24/7 care.

Amputations and Crushing Injuries

In underride or rollover accidents, limbs can be lost instantly. The physical and psychological trauma is immense. We’ve secured multi-million dollar results for amputation victims (ranging from $1.9M to $8.6M) to ensure they have access to the best prosthetics and rehabilitation available.

Wrongful Death

If you lost a loved one in a Texhoma truck wreck, no check can replace them. But a wrongful death claim can provide financial security for your children and hold the negligent company accountable. We’ve recovered millions for Texas families in wrongful death cases (ranging from $1.9M to $9.5M).

Understanding Texas Law: 2 Years and 51%

When you file an 18-wheeler lawsuit in Texhoma, you’re operating under Texas statutes. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (the Statute of Limitations). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

The 51% Rule (Modified Comparative Negligence)

Texas follows a law where you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If the jury finds you were 10% responsible, your total check is reduced by 10%. But if they find you were 51% responsible, you get nothing. This is why trucking companies spend millions trying to blame the victim. They want to push that percentage above 50. Our job is to prove they were the ones who broke the law. [Watch our video on fault: How Much Do I Get if I Am Partially Responsible? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KIsaBzMgQ]

Dealing with Insurance: The Attorney911 Advantage

Insurance adjusters are not your friends. They are trained professionals whose job is to pay you $0. If they have to pay, they want it to be as small a number as possible.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years on the inside. He knows that they use software to undervalue your pain and suffering. He knows they’ll offer you a fast check while you’re still in the hospital, hoping you’ll sign away your rights before you realize your injuries are permanent.

We don’t let them push you around. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. When insurance companies see Ralph Manginello and our team on the other side, they know they’re in for a fight.

Call (888) 288-9911. Your consultation is free. We will review your accident report, explain your rights, and give you an honest assessment of what your case is worth.

Frequently Asked Questions for Texhoma Victims

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we take all the financial risk. We only get paid when we recover money for you.

What if the truck driver was from another state?
Texhoma is a border town, and US-54 carries trucks from all over the country. Because these trucks operate in interstate commerce, your case may be heard in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has 25 years of experience navigating the complexities of federal trucking law.

Will I have to go to court?
Most trucking cases in Texas settle before a trial. However, the best way to get a fair settlement is to have a lawyer who is ready for trial. Insurance companies offer more when they know your attorney isn’t afraid of a courtroom.

Can I sue if I was hit by a delivery van?
Yes. Amazon, UPS, and FedEx vans are commercial vehicles. Even though they are smaller than 18-wheelers, they still carry significant insurance and the companies can be held liable for negligent training or scheduling pressure.

What are “Nuclear Verdicts”?
“Nuclear verdicts” are jury awards that exceed $10 million. They happen when a jury finds that a trucking company was egregiously negligent—like knowing a driver was dangerous but letting them drive anyway. While every case is different, these verdicts show that trucking companies can be held fully accountable.

What if I have pre-existing injuries?
Insurance adjusters love to say, “Your back already hurt before the crash.” In Texas, we use the “Eggshell Skull” doctrine. The trucking company is responsible for the aggravation of any existing injuries. If the crash made your old back pain unbearable, they have to pay for that change.

Dedicated to Texhoma and the Panhandle

We aren’t just big-city lawyers who don’t know the Panhandle. We understand the specific dangers of US-54 and US-287. We know what it’s like when a blowing dust storm reduces visibility to zero and a tired trucker doesn’t slow down. We know the Sherman County community is hardworking, and we bring that same work ethic to your case.

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 on the tough fights because we believe that no trucking company is too big to be held accountable.

If you’re stuck with medical bills, unable to work, and the insurance company is ignoring you, let us take the weight off your shoulders. We handle the paperwork, the investigators, and the corporate lawyers so you can focus on your recovery.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contact Attorney911 Today

The evidence is fading. The trucking company is building their defense. It’s time to start building your future. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to fight for you.

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
• Houston Main: (713) 528-9070
• Direct Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: https://attorney911.com

You didn’t ask for this accident, but you do have a choice in who fights for you. Choose the firm that treats you like family and makes the giants pay. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Additional Legal Resources for Trucking Victims:

• [Learn about pain and suffering values: What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU]
• [Understand insurance endorsements: The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag]
• [What to avoid saying to insurance: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E]

Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When disaster strikes in Texhoma, we are your first responders to a legal emergency.

(This content is provided for informational purposes only. Every case is unique and results depend on the specific facts and law involved. Consultation with an attorney is essential to understand your rights.)