Wichita Falls Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The impact was catastrophic. On US-287 outside Wichita Falls, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into a family’s SUV. In a split second, a routine drive to the grocery store or a commute to work becomes a fight for survival. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Wichita Falls, you’re currently facing a legal emergency. The trucking company already has a rapid-response team working to protect their profits. You deserve a team that moves just as fast to protect your future.

At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest corporations and winning. Since 1998, Ralph has been the fighter that North Texas families turn to when disaster strikes. Our firm doesn’t just know the law—we know the “playbook” used by the other side. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He knows how they evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. We understand that you’re not just a case number; as our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Wichita Falls sits at a critical crossroads. With I-44 and US-287 serving as major freight corridors between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Oklahoma City, and Amarillo, our roads are constantly shared with 18-wheelers, delivery vans, oilfield tankers, and military transport vehicles. When these massive machines cause an accident, the consequences are rarely minor. Whether you were hit by an Amazon delivery van in a residential neighborhood or involved in a jackknife collision with a semi-truck on the Central Freeway, we’re here to help.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing—zero upfront costs—unless we win your case. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.

The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Wichita Falls

Every day, thousands of commercial vehicles pass through Wichita County. Wichita Falls serves as a regional hub for healthcare, manufacturing, and military operations at Sheppard Air Force Base. This brings a diverse mix of heavy traffic to our streets:

• Long-Haul 18-Wheelers: Moving freight across the Central United States via the US-287 and I-44 corridors.
• Oilfield Vehicles: Water trucks, sand haulers, and crude tankers serving the North Texas oil patch.
• Corporate Delivery Fleets: Branded vehicles from companies like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
• Agricultural Transport: Grain trucks and livestock haulers moving through our rural intersections.
• Military Transport: Heavy equipment and troop transport vehicles moving in and out of Sheppard AFB.

When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 70 mph on US-287 fails to stop, the laws of physics are not on your side. A loaded semi-truck is 20 to 25 times heavier than the average sedan. It requires the length of nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When a driver is fatigued, distracted, or operating a poorly maintained vehicle, they are essentially piloting a multi-ton missile through Wichita Falls traffic.

Why 48 Hours Is Critical: The Evidence Preservation Protocol

The clock is ticking. Within 48 hours of an accident, critical evidence that could prove the trucking company’s negligence can be lost, overwritten, or destroyed. Most people don’t realize that the “black box” data in a commercial truck can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

Trucking companies and corporate defendants like Amazon or Walmart deploy insurance adjusters and investigators to the crash scene before the ambulance even leaves. Their goal is simple: control the narrative and minimize their liability.

At Attorney911, we move just as fast. Our trial-ready team, led by Ralph Manginello, immediately sends out formal spoliation letters. These are legal notices that demand the trucking company and all other liable parties preserve every piece of evidence related to the crash, including:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking force, and throttle position in the moments before impact.
• ELD Logs: Electronic Logging Device data that shows if the driver was in violation of federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
• GPS and Telematics: Documentation of the truck’s route, speed, and any unauthorized deviations.
• Driver Qualification Files: Background checks, medical certificates, and drug test results that can prove negligent hiring.
• Maintenance Records: Proof of whether the carrier skipped essential brake or tire inspections to save money.
• In-Cab Video Footage: Many corporate fleets like Amazon use Netradyne or DriveCam systems that capture driver behavior in real-time.

Do not wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They won’t. Call us today at (888) 288-9911 so we can secure the evidence you need to win.

Comprehensive Coverage of Wichita Falls Truck Accident Types

Every trucking accident has a unique “fingerprint.” Understanding the mechanics of the crash is essential for identifying the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations that were violated.

18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of the tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle. On bridges like the I-44 overpass or during North Texas ice storms, these accidents often lead to massive multi-vehicle pileups. Similarly, rollovers frequently happen on the curved interchanges of US-287 and I-44 when a truck is traveling too fast for conditions or has an improperly balanced load. These crashes often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.6, which prohibits operating a vehicle at speeds that exceed safe limits for conditions.

Underride Collisions

Among the most lethal accidents we handle are underride collisions, where a passenger car slides beneath the side or rear of a trailer. These often result in decapitation or catastrophic traumatic brain injuries (TBI). While federal law under 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, many are poorly maintained or lack the strength to stop a car at highway speeds. We investigate whether the trucking company failed to maintain these safety features or if a design defect made the guard ineffective.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots known as “No-Zones.” On congested streets like Kemp Blvd or Southwest Parkway, truck drivers often merge into smaller vehicles they simply didn’t see. Wide turn accidents happen when a truck swings left to make a sharp right turn, crushing a vehicle caught in the gap. These accidents often point to a failure in training or a violation of 49 CFR § 392.11, which requires commercial drivers to follow safe turning and lane-change procedures.

Brake Failure and Tire Blowouts

Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of all large truck crashes. When a trucking company defers maintenance to increase its bottom line, it puts every driver in Wichita Falls at risk. Under 49 CFR Part 396, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. If a brake failure or tire blowout caused your crash, we’ll subpoena the maintenance logs to show exactly when the company ignored a known safety issue.

Oilfield Vehicle Wrecks

Wichita Falls is surrounded by active oil and gas operations. We see a high volume of accidents involving water trucks, frac sand haulers, and crude tankers on rural FM roads. These drivers often work brutal shifts, sometimes exceeding the 14-hour on-duty window mandated by 49 CFR § 395.3. In these cases, the oil company—the entity that set the production schedule—is often just as liable as the trucking contractor.

Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents

Wichita Falls is seeing a massive surge in “last-mile” delivery traffic. Branded vans from Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are everywhere. We have a proven track record against corporate defendants; we’ve gone toe-to-toe with giants like Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, and BP.

Amazon Delivery Van Liability

If you were hit by an Amazon van, Amazon will likely tell you they aren’t responsible because the driver works for an “independent contractor” (a Delivery Service Partner). Don’t buy it. We know how to pierce this liability shield. We look at the level of control Amazon exercises—from setting the route to monitoring driver speed via the Mentor app. We hold the corporation accountable for the systems they designed.

Walmart and Self-Insured Defendants

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They typically “self-insure,” meaning they pay claims directly from their own corporate funds for the first several million dollars. This makes them fight harder, but it also means there is plenty of money available to compensate you—if you have an attorney like Ralph Manginello who isn’t intimidated by their army of corporate lawyers.

If a company truck or delivery vehicle caused your injuries, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a fighter who knows how to win against Fortune 500 fleets.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Why Our Investigation Goes Deeper

Most firms stop at the driver. We don’t. To maximize your recovery, we identify every party in the chain of responsibility. More liable parties mean more insurance policies can be “stacked” to cover your damages. Potential defendants include:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring or training.
3. The Cargo Shipper/Loader: If an improperly secured or overloaded trailer caused a shift or spill.
4. Truck and Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, steering, or tires (Product Liability).
5. Maintenance Companies: If a third-party mechanic failed to perform necessary repairs.
6. Freight Brokers: For brokering a load to an unsafe carrier with a history of violations.
7. Government Entities: If poor road design or uncorrected hazards on Wichita Falls streets contributed to the crash.
8. Corporate Parent Companies: Holding brands like Amazon or Walmart responsible for the pressure they place on their logistics chains.
9. Oilfield Operators: Holding the E&P company responsible for unsafe lease road conditions or negligent contractor selection.

Our investigation includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who provides an “insider” view of how these companies structure their liability. We don’t settle for the easy answer; we find the source of the negligence.

Understanding the Value of Your Case: Damages and Settlements

When you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, your life is turned upside down. The medical bills are mounting, you can’t work, and the pain is relentless. We fight for every dime you deserve—as client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Past and Future Medical Bills: Includes trauma care at United Regional, surgeries, months of physical therapy, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: We calculate the paychecks you’ve already missed and the lifetime of income you may lose if you can no longer return to your profession.
• Life Care Costs: For catastrophic injuries like paralysis or TBI, we retain life care planners to project the cost of 24/7 care, house modifications, and medical equipment.

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Physical Pain and Suffering: The daily reality of living with severe physical trauma.
• Mental Anguish: The PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares that commonly follow a violent truck crash.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Especially relevant in burn or amputation cases.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse and children.

Punitive Damages

In cases of “gross negligence”—such as a trucking company intentionally falsifying logs or a driver operating while highly intoxicated—Wichita Falls juries may award punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent others from acting with the same disregard for human life.

Our firm has secured multi-million dollar results for victims across Texas, with settlements for TBIs ranging from $1.5M to $9.8M and wrongful death results reaching $9.5M. While no results are guaranteed, these numbers demonstrate the level of accountability we demand for our clients.

Catastrophic Injuries We Handle in Wichita Falls

18-wheeler impacts are not “accidents”—they are high-energy collisions that break the human body. We specialize in representing victims of:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From “mild” concussions that cause cognitive fog to severe injuries requiring lifelong care.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Amputations: Often caused by crushing forces in underride or wide-turn accidents.
• Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces can cause the spleen, liver, or kidneys to rupture.
• Severe Burns: Often resulting from fuel tank explosions or hazardous cargo spills.
• Wrongful Death: Fighting for families who have lost a loved one due to corporate greed and negligence.

As client Kiimarii Yup told us, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.” We are committed to helping you gain back your dignity and your future.

Wichita Falls Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Wichita Falls?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Evidence like ELD data and security footage from local businesses near Kemp Blvd or US-287 disappears much faster.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not 51% or more at fault. If you are 20% at fault, your recovery will simply be reduced by 20%. Do not take the insurance company’s word that you were at fault—let us investigate.

The insurance company offered me a settlement today. Should I take it?
Almost certainly NO. These “quick” settlement offers are designed to catch you before you realize the true extent of your injuries. Once you sign their waiver, you can never ask for more, even if you need surgery six months from now. Always have an attorney review any offer.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
While the trucking company is ultimately responsible, they won’t pay your bills one by one. Our firm helps you find medical providers who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid out of the final settlement so you don’t have to pay out of pocket during your recovery.

How do you prove a driver was fatigued?
We cross-reference their Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data with cell phone records, fuel receipts, and toll booth data. If the driver “ghosted” a log or used paper backup to hide extra hours, we find the inconsistencies.

What if the accident involved a city-owned vehicle or a school bus?
Suing a government entity in Wichita Falls (like the city or a local school district) requires following the Texas Tort Claims Act. This involves a much shorter notice period—often just 6 months or even 90 days. If you’ve been hit by a municipal truck, you must act today.

Is it expensive to hire Attorney911?
No. We advance all costs for expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and court filings. You only pay us a percentage of what we recover for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing for our time or the expenses we paid.

The Authority You Need, The Advocacy You Deserve

When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t getting a billboard lawyer who hands your file to a paralegal. You’re getting Ralph Manginello—a 25-year veteran of federal and state courts. You’re getting a team that includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who knows the insurance defense “playbook” from the inside.

We know the routes you drive. We know the courts in Wichita County. We know that trucking companies prioritize “miles over maintenance” and “delivery over safety.” Most importantly, we know how to make them pay for those choices.

As Donald Wilcox said after we won his case, “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.” If other firms have turned you down, or if the insurance company is ignoring you, call us. We take the tough cases because we have the resources to win them.

Your fight for justice in Wichita Falls starts with one phone call. Don’t let the trucking company win by staying silent.

Contact Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our phones are answered 24/7. Hablamos Español. We are ready to fight for you.

Valuable Video Guides for Truck Accident Victims:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
• The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Wichita Falls and all of North Texas.
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