If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Howard County, you are not just facing medical bills and vehicle repairs—you are facing a complex legal landscape where oilfield traffic meets interstate commerce, where rural roads meet federal regulations, and where insurance companies employ teams of adjusters trained to minimize your recovery. We understand this because we have spent decades fighting for families in West Texas, and we know exactly how accidents happen on I-20 near Big Spring, how oilfield trucks navigate FM 700, and how the Howard County District Court assigns comparative fault in injury cases.
In 2024, Texas recorded 4,150 traffic deaths—one every 2 hours and 7 minutes. While Howard County may not appear in the top crash volume statistics like Harris or Dallas counties, the accidents that occur here are often catastrophic. The convergence of heavy oilfield equipment on Farm-to-Market roads, the 80,000-pound trucks traveling I-20 between Midland and Abilene, and the high-speed rural environment create conditions where even a momentary lapse leads to life-altering injuries. When you are hurt in a crash on the stretch of I-20 near Scenic Mountain Medical Center, or when a water truck rolls over on a caliche road outside Forsan, you need an attorney who understands that Howard County is not just another rural jurisdiction—it is the heart of the Permian Basin, with unique liability issues involving energy companies, commercial carriers, and complex insurance hierarchies.
We Are Attorney911, and We Fight Differently
Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims for 27 years. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Ralph has litigated cases ranging from the $2.1 billion BP Texas City Refinery explosion to multi-million dollar trucking wrongful death settlements. When you hire our firm, you are not getting a settlement mill that treats you like a case number. You are getting Ralph’s personal attention, combined with the unique advantage of having Lupe Peña on your team—a former insurance defense attorney who spent years at a national defense firm learning exactly how large insurance companies value claims, calculate reserves, and deploy tactics like the Colossus software algorithm to minimize payouts.
Lupe’s insider knowledge is your unfair advantage. He knows that when you are sitting in Scenic Mountain Medical Center in Big Spring with a herniated disc from a rear-end collision on US-87, the insurance adjuster is already calculating how to attribute 15% comparative fault to you to reduce the payout by thousands. He knows that when an oilfield service truck causes a rollover on a county road, the company will immediately claim the driver was an “independent contractor” to shield themselves from liability. And he knows exactly how to defeat those arguments because he used to make them for the other side.
We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families. In a recent case, we secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company. In another case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident; when staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation, we refused the insurance company’s $50,000 offer and settled the case for millions. We have taken cases other firms rejected and turned them into seven-figure recoveries. And we are ready to do the same for you in Howard County.
The Reality of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Howard County
Howard County sits at the crossroads of West Texas energy production and interstate commerce. While the county seat of Big Spring serves as a medical and commercial hub for the region, the surrounding areas are dominated by oilfield operations, ranching, and agriculture. This creates a unique traffic environment where personal vehicles share roads with 80,000-pound 18-wheelers, overloaded water trucks, and heavy equipment haulers moving between Midland and Lubbock.
The Texas Department of Transportation data reveals that in 2024, “Failed to Drive in Single Lane” caused 800 fatal crashes statewide—the leading killer factor. In Howard County, where two-lane FM roads see constant oilfield traffic and I-20 carries high-speed commercial vehicles, this factor takes on deadly significance. When a frac sand hauler drifts across the center line on a narrow county road because the driver has been hauling for 14 hours to meet a drilling deadline, the result is often a head-on collision with catastrophic consequences.
Speed-related factors compound the danger. Statewide, “Failed to Control Speed” caused 131,978 crashes, and “Unsafe Speed” contributed to 490 fatalities. On Howard County’s rural roads, where speed limits might be 75 mph on I-20 but drop to 45 mph on county roads with no shoulder, the margin for error disappears. When you add West Texas weather—sudden dust storms that reduce visibility to near zero, flash flooding on low-water crossings, or the blinding sun on the horizon—the risk of serious injury multiplies.
Commercial vehicle accidents present the greatest danger. Texas saw 39,393 commercial vehicle accidents in 2024, killing 608 people. In the Permian Basin region, including Howard County, commercial vehicle traffic density is among the highest in the nation. These are not just “truck accidents”—they are complex cases involving Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, Hours of Service violations, and corporate defendants with deep pockets.
The Accidents We Handle in Howard County
Commercial Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents
If you were injured by an 18-wheeler on I-20 near Big Spring, or by an oilfield truck on a county road outside Coahoma, you are facing the most complex type of motor vehicle case in Texas law. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of a passenger car—and when they collide with a family vehicle, the physics are devastating. In two-vehicle crashes between passenger vehicles and large trucks, 97% of the deaths are the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
The trucking companies have rapid-response teams. Before you are even released from Scenic Mountain Medical Center, the trucking company’s investigator is on the scene, the driver is being coached on his statement, and the black box data is being downloaded. They are building their defense while you are building your recovery.
We move just as fast. Within 24 hours of retention, we send spoliation letters to preserve the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, the Engine Control Module (ECM) downloads, the driver’s qualification file, maintenance records, and dispatch communications. Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Violations of these Hours of Service rules are common in the Permian Basin, where drivers face pressure to deliver water, sand, or equipment to well sites on impossible deadlines.
Liable parties in Howard County trucking accidents often include:
- The truck driver (for negligence, fatigue, or distraction)
- The motor carrier (under respondeat superior and for negligent hiring/retention)
- The oil company or well operator (if they exercised control over the driver or set unsafe schedules)
- The loading company (for improper cargo securement under 49 CFR Parts 393.100-136)
- The maintenance provider (for brake failures or tire blowouts)
We have secured multi-million dollar recoveries for families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases, and we know how to navigate the federal court system when cases require removal to the Northern District of Texas.
Oilfield Vehicle Accidents
Howard County is Permian Basin country. When a water truck rolls over on a caliche road, when a frac sand hauler jackknifes on FM 700, or when a hot shot driver falls asleep at the wheel on the way to a well site at 4 AM, the injuries are catastrophic and the liability is complex.
Oilfield trucking is not just regulated by the FMCSA—it is also subject to OSHA workplace safety standards under 29 CFR 1910 and 1926. When an accident occurs on a lease road or at a well site entrance, we pursue claims under both frameworks. The oil companies will claim the truck driver was an “independent contractor,” but we know how to pierce that veil by proving the oil company controlled the routes, set the schedules, and maintained authority over the trucking operations.
We have handled cases involving:
- Produced water trucks (overloaded, with sloshing liquid creating rollover risks)
- Frac sand haulers (high center of gravity, frequent rollovers)
- Crude oil tankers (hazmat risks, strict insurance requirements)
- Crew transport vans (15-passenger vans with documented rollover risks)
- Equipment haulers (oversized loads on roads not built for heavy traffic)
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash in Texas, with “Failed to Control Speed” causing 131,978 crashes statewide in 2024. On I-20 through Howard County, where traffic slows suddenly for construction zones or Big Spring exits, rear-end collisions involving commercial vehicles are particularly dangerous. An 80,000-pound truck requires 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields.
Many rear-end victims initially feel “fine” due to adrenaline, only to discover days later that they have herniated discs requiring surgery. The insurance company will try to claim your injuries are “pre-existing” or from a “minor” accident. We know how to prove the mechanism of injury using biomechanical evidence—showing that the 20-40 G-forces of a truck rear-end collision can cause catastrophic spinal damage even with minimal vehicle damage.
Head-On and Drunk Driving Accidents
Rural Texas sees a disproportionate share of fatal head-on collisions. In 2024, “Wrong Side—Not Passing” caused 177 fatal crashes, and “Wrong Way—One Way Road” caused another 82 fatalities. These are often alcohol-related. Under Texas Dram Shop laws (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02), if a bar or restaurant in Big Spring overserved a patron who was obviously intoxicated, and that patron caused your head-on collision on US-87, the establishment may be liable for up to $1 million in damages—separate from the drunk driver’s insurance.
We handle both the criminal and civil aspects of DUI cases. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us unique insight into how intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter cases affect your civil recovery.
Pedestrian and Motorcycle Accidents
While Howard County is rural, pedestrian accidents occur in Big Spring’s downtown areas and near the hospital district. Pedestrians are 28.8 times more likely to be killed in a crash than vehicle occupants. If you were struck by a vehicle while walking near Scenic Mountain Medical Center or crossing downtown Big Spring, you may have a claim against the driver’s insurance AND your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage—even as a pedestrian.
Motorcycle accidents in Howard County often involve “left turn” collisions at intersections or vehicles drifting into motorcycle lanes on I-20. Texas is a 51% comparative negligence state—meaning if you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies exploit anti-motorcyclist bias to push fault onto riders. We counter this with accident reconstruction and by humanizing the rider’s experience.
Single-Vehicle and Rollover Accidents
When a vehicle rolls over on a rural Howard County road, the cause is not always driver error. It may be a defective tire (tread separation), a pothole on a county-maintained road (creating Texas Tort Claims Act liability against the county), or a vehicle design defect. Preserving the vehicle is critical in these cases—we must inspect it before it is repaired or sold for salvage.
Rideshare and Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Even in Big Spring and the surrounding areas, Amazon delivery vans, UPS trucks, and food delivery drivers (DoorDash, Uber Eats) are on the roads daily. These cases involve complex insurance tiers. If you are hit by an Amazon delivery van in Howard County, Amazon will claim the driver works for a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) and is not their employee. We know how to defeat this defense by proving Amazon controls the routes, monitors the drivers via Netradyne cameras, and sets delivery quotas that force unsafe driving.
How Insurance Companies Try to Destroy Your Howard County Claim
Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us classified intelligence on the tactics they will use against you:
The Quick Settlement Trap: Within days of your accident on I-20, the insurance adjuster may offer $3,000-$5,000, claiming it is “fair” for your “minor” soft tissue injuries. They hope you will sign a release before you realize you have a herniated disc requiring $100,000 in surgery. We ensure you reach Maximum Medical Improvement before considering any settlement.
The Independent Medical Exam (IME): Insurance companies hire doctors who make $2,000-$5,000 per exam to say your injuries are “pre-existing” or “subjective.” Lupe knows these specific doctors because he hired them. We prepare you for these exams and challenge biased reports with our own medical experts.
Surveillance and Social Media: They will monitor your Facebook and Instagram for photos showing you being “active” after the accident, taking these images out of context to claim you are not injured. They may video you at the grocery store in Big Spring, ignoring the 10 minutes of pain you experienced before and after that 30-second clip.
Comparative Fault Arguments: Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001, if they can convince a jury you are 51% at fault, you recover nothing. Even 10% fault on a $100,000 claim costs you $10,000. Lupe used to make these arguments—now he defeats them.
What You Can Recover
Under Texas law, you are entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include all medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving drunk driving or gross negligence—such as an oilfield company knowingly allowing a driver to violate Hours of Service rules—you may be entitled to punitive damages. Under Texas law, if the underlying act is a felony (such as intoxication assault), there is no cap on punitive damages.
We calculate your damages using life care planners for catastrophic injuries, vocational experts for lost earning capacity, and economists to project future costs. We do not rely on the “multiplier method” alone—we build a case that shows the insurance company what a jury in Howard County District Court might award.
The 48-Hour Protocol: Preserving Evidence in Howard County
Evidence disappears fast. In Howard County:
- Surveillance footage from businesses along US-87 or Main Street in Big Spring typically auto-deletes in 7-14 days.
- The “black box” data in commercial trucks may be overwritten within 30-180 days if not preserved.
- Witnesses in rural areas are harder to locate as time passes.
- The Texas Department of Transportation maintains crash reports, but physical evidence at the scene disappears immediately.
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately:
- Send preservation letters to all parties to prevent spoliation of evidence.
- Dispatch investigators to photograph the scene, measure skid marks, and locate witnesses.
- Secure ELD data, ECM downloads, and driver qualification files from commercial carriers.
- Obtain police reports from the Big Spring Police Department or Howard County Sheriff’s Office, or the Texas Department of Public Safety if the accident occurred on I-20.
- Ensure you are receiving proper medical treatment at Scenic Mountain Medical Center or, if necessary, transport to a Level I trauma center in Lubbock or Midland for catastrophic injuries.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Howard County Case?
Client Glenda Walker said it best: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Client Jamin Marroquin described Ralph as “tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months” of his case. When Dame Haskett needed answers, he found that Ralph “reached out personally” and provided consistent communication.
We are not a volume practice. We take cases other firms reject because we have the resources to litigate against Fortune 500 companies and the largest insurance carriers. We have been admitted to federal court for cases requiring complex litigation under the FMCSA. We speak Spanish—Lupe Peña is fluent, and our staff includes Zulema, who ensures language is never a barrier to justice.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in Howard County—whether on I-20 near Big Spring, on a county road outside Forsan, or in a collision with an oilfield truck on your way to work—do not wait. The insurance company has lawyers working for them right now. You deserve someone working just as hard for you.
We offer free consultations. We work on a contingency fee basis—33.33% before trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win. Hablamos Español.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or email Ralph directly at ralph@atty911.com. We serve all of Howard County, including Big Spring, Coahoma, and Forsan, and we regularly handle cases throughout the Permian Basin region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Howard County?
First, ensure safety and call 911. Request medical attention even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks injuries. Document the scene with photos, get witness information, and exchange insurance details. Then, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance adjuster. We recommend seeking evaluation at Scenic Mountain Medical Center or the nearest emergency room in Big Spring.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an accident in Howard County?
Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved (such as a county road maintenance issue), notice requirements may be as short as six months. Do not delay—evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident in Big Spring?
Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies will try to assign you maximum fault—Lupe Peña knows their tactics and how to counter them.
What if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured in Howard County?
Approximately 14% of Texas drivers are uninsured. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy—in Texas, insurers must offer it—you can file a claim against your own insurance. This applies even if you were a pedestrian or cyclist. Most victims do not know their own policy covers them in these situations.
How much is my Howard County car accident case worth?
Every case is unique. A minor soft tissue injury might settle for $15,000-$60,000, while a herniated disc requiring surgery could be worth $346,000-$1,205,000. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or paralysis can reach millions. We evaluate your case based on medical costs, lost wages, future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a specific evaluation.
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company after my accident on I-20?
No. The insurance adjuster is trained to ask leading questions like, “You’re feeling better though, right?” Everything you say will be transcribed and used against you. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance. Let Attorney911 handle all communications.
What if I was hit by an oilfield truck or commercial vehicle in Howard County?
Commercial vehicle cases involve federal regulations under the FMCSA. These cases often have higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million or more) and multiple liable parties including the driver, the trucking company, the oil well operator, and maintenance providers. We immediately preserve black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver who hit me in Big Spring?
Yes, under the Texas Dram Shop Act. If a bar, restaurant, or nightclub overserved a patron who was obviously intoxicated—showing signs like slurred speech, unsteady gait, or aggressive behavior—and that patron caused your accident, the establishment may be liable. This is separate from the drunk driver’s liability and often involves $1 million commercial insurance policies.
What if the trucking company says the driver was an independent contractor?
This is a common defense. Companies like Amazon (FedEx Ground, oilfield operators) claim their drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. We defeat this by proving the company exercised control over the driver’s routes, schedules, and performance—creating a de facto employment relationship under Texas law.
How do I pay for medical treatment if I cannot afford it after my accident in Howard County?
We work with a network of medical providers who treat patients on a lien basis—meaning they get paid when the case settles. We can also help you navigate Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage if you have it. Do not let financial concerns prevent you from getting necessary treatment at Scenic Mountain Medical Center or other providers.
What is a Stowers demand and how does it help my Texas accident case?
Under the Stowers Doctrine, if we make a settlement demand within the defendant’s policy limits and the insurance company unreasonably refuses it, they become liable for the entire verdict—even if it exceeds the policy limits. This is a powerful tool in clear-liability cases.
Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it is going to trial. Insurance companies offer more money when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. Ralph Manginello’s 27 years of experience and federal court admission signal to insurers that we are prepared to litigate if they do not offer fair value.
Can undocumented immigrants file personal injury claims in Howard County?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation under Texas law. We handle all cases with complete confidentiality, and our bilingual staff ensures clear communication regardless of your primary language.
What if I was a passenger in the at-fault vehicle?
You can still recover damages. Your claim is against the driver of the vehicle you were in, or against any other party who contributed to the accident (such as another driver or a defective vehicle manufacturer).
How long will my case take to resolve?
Straightforward cases may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving commercial vehicles or catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We balance thoroughness with efficiency, pushing for resolution as fast as possible without settling for less than you deserve.
What makes Attorney911 different from other law firms in West Texas?
We combine Ralph Manginello’s 27 years of trial experience with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. We have recovered multi-million dollar results, we are admitted to federal court, and we have handled major cases like the BP explosion. We offer 24/7 availability—not an answering service—and we take cases other firms reject.
Do you handle motorcycle accidents in Howard County?
Yes. We understand the unique dynamics of motorcycle cases, including the “left turn” collision pattern where cars fail to see motorcyclists. We fight against jury bias and ensure your case is presented with the full value of your injuries.
What if my child was injured in a school bus accident in Howard County?
School bus accidents involve governmental immunity issues and require specific notice under the Texas Tort Claims Act. We handle the unique procedural hurdles of governmental claims while pursuing maximum recovery for your child’s injuries.
How do contingency fees work at Attorney911?
We charge 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before filing a lawsuit, and 40% if litigation is required. We advance all case expenses, and you pay nothing—no hourly fees, no retainer—unless we win your case.
Can I switch to Attorney911 if I am unhappy with my current lawyer?
Yes. You have the right to change attorneys at any time. If your current attorney is not returning calls, is pushing you to accept a low settlement, or lacks experience with your specific type of case, contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We can take over your case with minimal disruption.
What if I was injured by a defective vehicle or tire in Howard County?
We handle product liability claims against manufacturers. If a tire blowout, brake failure, or vehicle defect caused your accident, we pursue the manufacturer under strict liability theories—no negligence required.
Do you help with property damage claims in addition to personal injury?
Yes. While we focus on maximizing your injury compensation, we also ensure your vehicle damage, personal property, and rental car expenses are properly compensated.
What if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition?
Under the eggshell plaintiff doctrine, defendants take victims as they find them. If the accident worsened a prior condition—such as turning a manageable disc issue into one requiring surgery—you are entitled to compensation for the worsening.
How can I reach Attorney911 after hours or on weekends?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We have 24/7 live staff, not an answering service. For Spanish speakers, our team including Zulema is available to assist. You can also email Ralph directly at ralph@atty911.com or Lupe at lupe@atty911.com.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911. Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win.
