Highway 36 Collision with Big Rig: What Cameron, Texas Drivers Need to Know After a Trucking Accident

The Crash That Changed a Life in an Instant

Late on the night of February 21, 2026, a routine drive on Highway 36 about four miles east of Hamilton, Missouri became anything but routine. At 11:25 p.m., a 2016 Freightliner traveling eastbound collided with a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado that had stopped in the crossover at Northeast Nettleton Road. The Silverado driver, a 49-year-old man from Saint Joseph, Missouri, had begun crossing the eastbound lanes when the Freightliner entered his path.

The Freightliner driver braked and swerved in an attempt to avoid the collision, but the impact was unavoidable. The truck struck the passenger-side front fender of the Silverado. The force of the collision sent the Silverado spinning—it came to rest on the north side of the eastbound lanes facing west. The Freightliner stopped on the south shoulder.

The aftermath was immediate and severe. The Silverado driver sustained moderate injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt and was transported by Caldwell County Ambulance to Cameron Regional Medical Center. The 35-year-old Freightliner driver, from Plainsville, Illinois, was wearing a seat belt and was not reported injured.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Legacy of Kidder. The Freightliner was insured by Allers Morrison Insurance, and the Chevrolet Silverado was insured by Progressive Insurance. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department.

This incident might have occurred in Missouri, but the same dangers exist right here on Cameron, Texas’s highways. Every day, Texas drivers share the road with 18-wheelers on corridors like I-10, I-35, and US-59. The physics of these collisions don’t change based on state lines—and neither do the legal rights of those injured by negligent trucking companies.

Why This Type of Accident Happens on Texas Highways

The Crossover Danger Zone

Crossovers like the one at Northeast Nettleton Road exist on many rural highways, including those in Texas. They’re designed for agricultural vehicles, emergency turns, or when drivers miss their exit. However, they become dangerous when:

• Visibility is poor – Nighttime, fog, or rain can make it difficult to see stopped vehicles in crossovers.
• Drivers misjudge distances – The speed of oncoming traffic is often underestimated.
• Truck drivers are fatigued – Long-haul drivers may be operating on limited sleep, reducing reaction time.
• Distractions occur – Cell phones, dispatch communications, or in-cab electronics can divert attention.

On Texas highways like US-59 or I-45, similar crossovers exist. The same risks apply—especially at night when truck traffic is heavy and visibility is reduced.

The Role of Fatigue in Trucking Accidents

The accident occurred at 11:25 p.m. This is a critical detail. Federal hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving, but violations are common—and deadly.

FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395):

At 11:25 p.m., the Freightliner driver may have been approaching the end of his 14-hour duty window or nearing his weekly limit. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and can cause drivers to miss critical visual cues—like a stopped vehicle in a crossover.

How We Prove Fatigue in Trucking Cases:

When we investigate trucking accidents at Attorney911, we obtain:
– ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data – Shows exact driving hours and breaks
– Dispatch records – Reveal pressure to meet tight deadlines
– Cell phone records – Can show distractions during driving
– Driver Qualification File – May reveal a history of violations or medical issues

Fatigue is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. If the Freightliner driver was violating hours-of-service regulations, both he and his employer could be held liable.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

What Evidence Should Have Been Preserved Immediately?

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours to protect their interests. If you’re involved in a similar accident in Cameron, Texas, here’s what needs to be preserved:

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that all evidence be preserved and puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

The Critical Role of ECM/Black Box Data

The Freightliner’s Engine Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) would have recorded critical data about the crash:

• Speed before impact – Was the driver speeding?
• Brake application – Did the driver brake in time? Was the braking system functioning properly?
• Throttle position – Was the driver accelerating or coasting?
• Following distance – Was the driver maintaining a safe distance?
• Fault codes – Were there any mechanical issues the driver ignored?

This data is objective and tamper-resistant. It often contradicts what drivers claim happened. For example, if the driver says he was going the speed limit but the ECM shows he was speeding, that’s powerful evidence of negligence.

Case Example: The $730 Million Verdict
In 2021, a Texas jury awarded $730 million in a trucking accident case where ECM data proved the driver was speeding and had falsified his log books. The case, Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger, involved an oversize load that killed a 73-year-old woman. The verdict included $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages.

This case demonstrates what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable—and why preserving evidence is so critical.

What the Silverado Driver Should Do Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Cameron, Texas, here’s what to do:

Immediate Steps (If You Haven’t Already)

1. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
2. Document Everything – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. Get witness contact information.
3. Don’t Give Statements – Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney.
4. Preserve Evidence – If you have access to any evidence (photos, dashcam footage, etc.), save it in multiple places.

Legal Steps to Protect Your Rights

1. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately
   – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases
   – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   – We handle all communication with insurance companies

2. Investigate All Potentially Liable Parties
   – Truck driver
   – Trucking company
   – Cargo owner/loader
   – Truck/parts manufacturer
   – Maintenance company
   – Insurance companies

3. Gather Critical Evidence
   – ECM/Black Box data
   – ELD records
   – Driver Qualification File
   – Maintenance records
   – Cell phone records
   – Witness statements
   – Accident reconstruction

4. Calculate Full Damages
   – Medical expenses (past and future)
   – Lost wages and earning capacity
   – Pain and suffering
   – Mental anguish
   – Loss of enjoyment of life
   – Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

5. Negotiate or Litigate for Maximum Compensation
   – Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
   – Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court
   – This gives us leverage in settlement negotiations

Cameron, Texas Trucking Accident Risks: The Same Dangers Exist Here

While this accident occurred in Missouri, Cameron, Texas drivers face identical risks on our local highways:

High-Risk Trucking Corridors in Cameron, Texas

Why Cameron, Texas Drivers Are at Risk

1. The I-35 NAFTA Corridor – One of the busiest trucking routes in the country, bringing long-haul drivers through Cameron, Texas who may be fatigued or unfamiliar with local roads.
2. Port of Houston Traffic – Trucks hauling containers from the port create heavy traffic on I-10 and local routes.
3. Oil and Gas Industry – Heavy equipment and hazardous materials trucks operate in the region, increasing the risk of spills and rollovers.
4. Rural Highways – Two-lane highways like local Highway 36 have crossovers and limited lighting, creating the same dangers seen in the Missouri crash.
5. Fatigue Culture – Long-haul drivers passing through Cameron, Texas may be pushing their hours-of-service limits to meet tight deadlines.

Recent Trucking Accidents in Texas: A Warning Sign

Texas consistently leads the nation in trucking accidents. Recent incidents include:

• 2024: $730 Million Verdict – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• 2022: $150 Million Settlement – Werner Enterprises – Two children killed on I-30
• 2021: $37.5 Million Verdict – Trucking accident in Texas
• 2021: $35.5 Million Verdict – Family injured in truck accident

These cases show that Texas juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. The key is having the right legal team to gather evidence, prove violations, and fight for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cameron, Texas Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters, and try to minimize payouts. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This immediate action preserves critical evidence before trucking companies can destroy or hide it.

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:
– ECM/Black Box data analysis
– ELD hours-of-service review
– Driver qualification file examination
– Maintenance record inspection
– Accident reconstruction
– Expert witness testimony

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Personal Attention from Start to Finish

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. Ralph Manginello personally oversees every case. Our clients consistently praise our communication, compassion, and dedication:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

The Attorney911 Difference: Why We’re the Right Choice for Cameron, Texas Trucking Accident Victims

We Know Trucking Cases Inside and Out

Trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car accidents—they’re fundamentally different. The physics, the regulations, the liable parties, and the insurance dynamics all require specialized knowledge. At Attorney911, we’ve been handling trucking cases for over 25 years. We know the industry, we know the regulations, and we know how to win.

We Have Federal Court Access

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions.

We Know How Insurance Companies Think

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters, and try to minimize payouts. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before trucking companies can destroy or hide it.

We Handle All Communication with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. We handle all communication with insurance companies so you never have to worry about saying the wrong thing.

We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

We Treat You Like Family

At Attorney911, you’re not just a case number. Ralph Manginello personally oversees every case. Our clients consistently praise our communication, compassion, and dedication:

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

Want to understand more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries – What to do after a trucking accident and how to protect your rights
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck? – Your legal options after a trucking accident
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents – Understanding the unique aspects of trucking accident cases
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer – How tire failures cause accidents and what to do if it happens to you

Final Thoughts: Justice for Trucking Accident Victims

The Highway 36 collision is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by 18-wheelers on our roads. While this incident occurred in Missouri, the same risks exist right here in Cameron, Texas. Every day, Texas drivers share the road with massive trucks that can cause catastrophic damage in an instant.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you don’t have to face this alone. The trucking company has lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims.

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. And we treat you like family, not a case number.

The time to act is now. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for you.