18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Archer County, Texas

Every year, Archer County’s highways see thousands of 18-wheeler accidents—many of them catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Archer County, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our local roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Archer County’s trucking corridors, from US-281 to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics alone make them far more dangerous:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—20-25 times heavier than your car
• At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck carries 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger vehicle
• A truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields

These aren’t just statistics. They’re the reason why trucking accidents cause such catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Archer County

Our firm has handled hundreds of trucking cases across Texas, and we see the same dangerous patterns again and again:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour)
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Yet we routinely find drivers who’ve been on the road for 14, 16, even 18 hours straight. Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes—and it’s almost always preventable.

Improper Maintenance

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Common maintenance violations we uncover:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Failed to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Cargo Securement Failures

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. When cargo isn’t properly secured:

• Loads can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Cargo can fall onto roadways, creating hazards
• Improper weight distribution makes trucks more prone to rollovers

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration (sudden stop)
• 0.5g acceleration (when starting)
• 0.5g lateral force (side-to-side movement)

Distracted Driving

Despite federal bans, we frequently find evidence of:

• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Using hand-held phones (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Dispatch communications while driving
• GPS programming while in motion

A truck driver looking at their phone for 5 seconds at 65 mph travels 475 feet—blind.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Archer County’s rural highways may seem empty, but speeding is especially dangerous for trucks:

• Longer stopping distances
• Increased rollover risk
• Reduced maneuverability
• Greater impact force in collisions

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Archer County

Jackknife Accidents

When the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, often sweeping across multiple lanes. Common on US-281 when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads.

Underride Collisions

When a vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often shearing off the roof. These are among the most fatal accidents—especially at night when trailers aren’t properly lit.

Rollovers

Top-heavy trucks can tip over during sharp turns or when cargo shifts. Common on rural roads where drivers take curves too fast.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars. When they follow too closely or have brake failures, the results are devastating.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swing wide before right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind
3. Left Side No-Zone: Smaller but still dangerous
4. Right Side No-Zone: Largest blind spot—most dangerous

Tire Blowouts

Archer County’s summer heat makes tire blowouts especially common. Underinflated tires overheat and fail.

Brake Failures

Poor maintenance leads to brake fade on long descents or complete brake failure.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured loads can fall onto roadways, creating hazards for following vehicles.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Archer County Trucking Accident?

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties can be liable:

The Truck Driver

For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment.

The Trucking Company

For:

• Vicarious liability (responsibility for their employees’ actions)
• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

The Cargo Owner

For:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

The Loading Company

For:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

For:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

For defective:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Steering components
• Lighting systems
• Coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

For:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts

Freight Brokers

For:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)

For:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

For:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

What We Preserve Immediately

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters demanding preservation of:

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

The ECM/Black Box Advantage

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data includes:

• Speed before and during the crash (proves speeding)
• Brake application timing (shows if driver reacted in time)
• Throttle position (reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting)
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location (confirms route and timing)
• Fault codes (may reveal known mechanical issues)

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. For example, a driver might say, “I hit my brakes immediately,” but the ECM data might show they didn’t apply the brakes until 2 seconds after impact.

Catastrophic Injuries from Archer County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. We’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives forever:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma damages the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Common in trucking accidents due to:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

How burns occur in trucking accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, may require amputation)

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Archer County law allows surviving family members to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Texas Trucking Accident Statistics

• 5,100+ people die in truck crashes annually in the U.S.
• 125,000+ people are injured in truck crashes annually
• 76% of those killed are in the smaller vehicle
• 29% of truck crashes involve brake problems
• 31% of fatal truck crashes involve driver fatigue
• Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents of any state

In Archer County specifically, we see high-risk areas around:

• US-281 corridor
• US-82/277 intersections
• Local distribution centers
• Agricultural shipping points

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Archer County Trucking Case?

1. We’re Archer County Trucking Accident Specialists

While many firms handle trucking cases as part of their practice, we specialize in them. We know:

• The specific trucking corridors in Archer County
• The local courts and judges
• The common accident patterns in our area
• The unique challenges of rural highway accidents

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle
• How they deny claims
• The claims valuation software they use (Colossus, etc.)

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage against the trucking companies and their insurers.

3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar 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
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

4. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has:

• 25+ years of courtroom experience
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Archer County has a significant Hispanic population, and many truck drivers are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

6. 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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Archer County

If you’ve been in a trucking accident, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Common Questions About Archer County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Archer County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Can I access the truck’s black box data?

Yes, but this data can be overwritten quickly. We send preservation letters immediately to ensure this critical evidence is preserved.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties, including cargo owners, loading companies, maintenance providers, and manufacturers. There are often multiple sources of recovery.

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While we can’t discuss our specific cases, recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible when companies are held accountable:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025) – Largest in Tarrant County

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies fully accountable for their negligence.

Contact Archer County’s 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Archer County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer:

• Free consultations
• 24/7 availability
• No fee unless we win
• Fluent Spanish services

“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

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters push you around. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve. 1-888-ATTY-911