Briscoe County Truck Accident Lawyers: Protecting Your Future After a Catastrophic Wreck

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along Highway 86 near Silverton, or perhaps navigating the scenic but steep grades of Highway 207 near Caprock Canyons, when 80,000 pounds of steel changed your life forever. In an instant, a standard trip through Briscoe County turned into a nightmare. An 18-wheeler doesn’t give you time to react, and it certainly doesn’t offer a fair fight against a 4,000-pound passenger car. At Attorney911, we know that when an 18-wheeler slams into a sedan or SUV, the “fender bender” doesn’t exist. There is only devastation.

For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has been the advocate Briscoe County families turn to when disaster strikes. Since 1998, our firm has stood against the largest trucking companies and corporate fleets in America. We aren’t just local attorneys; we are trial lawyers with federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas and experience litigating against Fortune 500 giants like BP, Walmart, and Amazon. When you’ve been hurt in a Briscoe County truck accident, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a fighter who has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

The trucking company has already started their defense. Before the ambulance even cleared the scene in Quitaque or Silverton, their rapid-response team was likely already on the ground, preserved evidence that helps them, and looking for ways to blame you. We move just as fast. We send spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours to lock down black box data and ELD logs before they can be overwritten. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win.

Why Briscoe County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents on the roads of Briscoe County present unique challenges. Unlike the congested multi-lane freeways of Houston or Dallas, our local corridors like State Highway 86 and Highway 207 often consist of two-lane roads where an 18-wheeler’s mistake leads to high-speed, head-on collisions or devastating rollovers. Briscoe County sits in a vital agricultural and energy corridor. We see massive cattle haulers, grain trucks, and increasingly, oversized loads transporting wind turbine components across the Panhandle.

When one of these massive vehicles loses control, the physics are unforgiving. A fully loaded semi-truck is 20 times heavier than most cars, requiring the length of two football fields just to come to a complete stop at highway speeds. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, understands these physics and the regulations that control them. Our team also includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who brings an “insider advantage” to your case. Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies, defending them against claims just like yours. He knows their playbook, he knows how they undervalue your suffering, and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Briscoe County residents.

If you were hit by a commercial vehicle in Briscoe County, don’t wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They are for-profit corporations. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your recovery with the same urgency we would for our own family. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Federal Regulations: Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable

Every commercial truck passing through Briscoe County is bound by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These laws are codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, and they exist to keep our families safe. When trucking companies or drivers cut corners to meet a deadline in Silverton or Lubbock, they break the law. Proving these violations is how we win your case.

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

Fatigue is a silent killer on Briscoe County roads. Drivers often push through the vast stretches of West Texas, violating Part 395 regulations. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. When a driver has been behind the wheel for 14 or 16 hours, their reaction time is comparable to a drunk driver. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, they must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes background checks, road tests, and current medical certificates. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or uncontrolled epilepsy and that driver caused your Briscoe County crash, we can hold the company liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Safety Equipment

Brake failure and tire blowouts aren’t always “accidents”—they are often the result of deferred maintenance. Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. If an 18-wheeler couldn’t stop on a Briscoe County grade because its brakes were out of adjustment, the company is negligent. We investigate internal maintenance logs to find the paper trail of neglect.

Whether it’s a violation of Part 382 (Drug and Alcohol Testing) or Part 397 (Hazardous Materials), we know where to look for the evidence that proves the trucking company chose profit over your safety. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience means he knows the FMCSA rulebook inside and out.

Don’t let a negligent company hide behind a stack of paperwork. Call 888-ATTY-911 today for your free Briscoe County case evaluation.

Common Truck Accident Types in Briscoe County

Every truck accident has a specific “fingerprint” of negligence. Because of Briscoe County’s unique terrain, certain accident types are more prevalent here.

Rollover Accidents on the Caprock

The steep descents and sharp curves along Highway 207 as it enters the Caprock area are notorious for truck rollovers. Large trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a curve too fast or if their cargo shifts (a violation of 49 CFR Part 393), the truck can tip, crushing anything in its path. These accidents often result in spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries as the passenger vehicle is flattened by the trailer’s weight.

Jackknife Collisions

High winds are a constant in the Briscoe County climate. When a driver brakes too hard or too suddenly on a wind-swept road, the trailer can swing out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. A jackknifed truck becomes a massive wall of steel across Highway 86, leaving oncoming drivers with nowhere to go.

Underride Wrecks

These are among the most lethal accidents we see in Briscoe County. An underride occurs when a smaller car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. Because the trailer sits higher, the impact often shears off the roof of the car, leading to decapitation or fatal head injuries. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with properly maintained Mansfield bars (rear impact guards) as required by federal law.

Rear-End Collisions from Stopping Distance Failure

A truck driver who is distracted by their dispatch computer or cell phone (violating Part 392.80) may not notice a vehicle slowing down to turn into a Silverton ranch or business. At 60 mph, an 80,000-pound truck cannot just “slam on the brakes.” If they fail to maintain a safe following distance (Part 392.11), the result is a high-speed rear-end collision that can cause permanent herniated discs or “internal decapitation” (atlanto-occipital dislocation).

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

In the tighter intersections of our Briscoe County towns, trucks must often swing wide to the left to make a right turn. If the driver doesn’t check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a smaller car between the truck and the curb.

Regardless of how your accident happened, Ralph Manginello has seen it before. With multi-million dollar settlements for victims of severe injury, our firm has the resources to hire accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly what happened on that Briscoe County road. Call (888) 288-9911 now.

Identifying All Liable Parties: Why One Defendant is Rarely Enough

Most general practice lawyers will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast a wider net. More liable parties mean more insurance policies to cover your catastrophic medical bills. In a Briscoe County truck accident, we investigate at least 16 different avenues of liability.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, they are liable for their employees’ actions.
3. The Corporate Parent (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx): If you were hit by a branded vehicle, the parent company may be liable for setting delivery quotas that made safe driving impossible.
4. The Cargo Owner: If shifting cargo caused a rollover.
5. The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load according to Part 393 standards.
6. The Maintenance Company: If a third party failed to properly repair the brakes or tires.
7. Truck/Parts Manufacturers: For defective components like steering linkages or tires.
8. Freight Brokers: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
9. Rental Companies (U-Haul, Penske): If they rented a large vehicle to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain the fleet.
10. Governmental Entities: If poor road design or unmaintained road signage in Briscoe County contributed to the crash.
11. Oilfield Operators: If the accident involved a water truck or sand hauler working for a specific lease operator (like Pioneer or Diamondback).
12. Staffing Agencies: If the driver was a temporary hire with a bad record.

When we litigate, we look for the “deep pockets.” Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured, meaning they pay out of their own multi-billion dollar coffers. Our firm founder, Ralph Manginello, has gone toe-to-toe with these giants. He was involved in the BP Texas City refinery litigation—a $2.1 billion disaster. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of corporate lawyers.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, knows their defense strategies because he was one of them. He understands how insurance companies attempt to use “independent contractor” status to shield the parent company from liability. We know how to pierce those shields and get you the compensation you deserve. Hablamos Español. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Cost

When an 18-wheeler hits you in Briscoe County, your life changes in a heartbeat. You aren’t just dealing with a few weeks of physical therapy; you may be facing a lifetime of care. We have recovered millions for victims of:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Our settlement ranges for moderate to severe TBI go from $1.5M to $9.8M+. These injuries affect your personality, memory, and your ability to earn a living. As we describe in our video “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits,” these cases require specialized experts to prove the long-term cognitive impact.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) requires a lifetime of home modifications, nursing care, and specialized equipment. These cases can reach $25M+ in value because the care needs are so extreme.
• Amputations: Losing a limb in a Briscoe County crash results in phantom pain, prosthetic costs (which must be replaced every few years), and a fundamental loss of independence.
• Severe Burns: If the truck was carrying fuel or hazardous chemicals through Quitaque, an explosion can cause 3rd and 4th-degree burns requiring dozens of surgeries.
• Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces can rupture the spleen or liver, often not showing symptoms until it is almost too late.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a spouse or parent, you are entitled to the loss of their future income, companionship, and guidance. Texas law gives you a 2-year window to file, but you must act quickly to preserve evidence.

We understand that Briscoe County is rural. If you were catastrophically injured, you were likely airlifted to a Level I trauma center in Amarillo or Lubbock. We can meet you there or conduct a remote consultation. Your health is the priority; our job is to make sure you can afford the best care available.

Learn more in our video: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

You cannot wait to call a lawyer after a Briscoe County truck accident. The most critical evidence is digital, and it is at risk of disappearing right now.

• Black Box (ECM) Data: The Engine Control Module records your speed, the truck’s speed, when the brakes were applied, and even if the driver was wearing a seatbelt. Most systems overwrite this data every 30 days—or as soon as the truck starts driving again.
• ELD Logs: Electronic logs prove if the driver was over their 11-hour limit. While they are harder to falsify than paper logs, they are only held for a limited time.
• Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets use Netradyne or DriveCam. This footage can show the driver was texting or nodding off before they hit you. This video is often deleted within 7 to 14 days unless a legal hold is placed.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 send “spoliation letters” immediately. This is a formal demand that puts the trucking company on legal notice to preserve ALL data. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for a “spoliation instruction,” which tells the jury to assume the destroyed evidence proved the trucking company was guilty.

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster likely already called you. They might sound friendly. They might offer you $5,000 or $10,000 to “take care of things.” This is a trap. Once you sign, you can never ask for more, even if you need a $100,000 spinal surgery next year. Do not sign anything. Call 888-ATTY-911 first.

Understanding Briscoe County and Texas Trucking Laws

In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is known as the Statute of Limitations. While two years might seem like a long time, in the world of 18-wheeler litigation, it is a race against time.

Texas also follows the “51% Modified Comparative Negligence” rule. This means that as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the trucking company can convince a Briscoe County jury that you were 51% at fault, you get nothing. This is why having an attorney like Lupe Peña—who used to help insurance companies blame victims—is your greatest advantage. He knows how to counter their arguments and keep the blame where it belongs: on the negligent truck driver.

Texas law doesn’t cap most non-economic damages in trucking cases, meaning there is no limit to what a jury can award for your pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Because trucking companies are required to carry between $750,000 and $5,000,000 in insurance coverage, there is a path to full justice—but only if you have a law firm with the experience to navigate these complex rules.

Corporate Fleet and Oilfield Dangers in the Panhandle

Briscoe County sits in the heart of the “Texas Triangle” routes and near the edge of the Permian Basin and other energy-rich zones. This means our roads are shared with more than just standard 18-wheelers.

The Amazon and Delivery Van Risk

Amazon delivers millions of packages through the Panhandle. Their Delivery Service Partner (DSP) vans are everywhere in Briscoe County. Amazon often claims the drivers aren’t “their” employees to avoid liability. We know how to pierce that structure. If Amazon controls the route, the speed, and the monitoring, they are the employer. We handle these “last mile” delivery accidents with the same aggression we use against big rigs.

Oilfield Truck Accidents

If your wreck involved a water truck, sand hauler, or crude tanker, the case becomes a hybrid of trucking and industrial safety law. These drivers often work grueling 12-hour shifts then drive on narrow county roads. We investigate both FMCSA violations and OSHA workplace safety standards (29 CFR 1910) to build a case against the oil company and the trucking contractor.

Agricultural and Wind Energy Hauling

Moving a 150-foot wind turbine blade or a 60,000-pound load of cattle requires specialized skill. Many “hot shot” drivers or independent agricultural haulers lack the training for these oversized loads. When these trucks turnover on Highway 86, the sheer mass of the cargo causes secondary impacts that can be fatal for motorists.

Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

Frequently Asked Questions for Briscoe County Victims

How much is my Briscoe County truck accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement. A case depends on medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your life. However, because of the $1M-$5M insurance requirements, trucking settlements are significantly higher than car accidents. Ralph Manginello has achieved multi-million dollar results for TBI and amputation victims.

Can I sue the company whose name was on the truck?
Yes. Whether it was Walmart, Amazon, or a local oilfield service company, we can pursue the corporate entity. A branded truck is a “solvent defendant” with the resources to pay for your lifetime of care.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
This is a standard defense. We use the “Right-to-Control” test to show that if the company dictated the driver’s schedule and route, they are liable regardless of the “independent contractor” label.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for a settlement?
We can help you arrange medical care under a “Letter of Protection.” This allows you to see world-class specialists in Amarillo or Lubbock without paying anything out-of-pocket until your case settles.

How long does a trucking case take in Briscoe County?
Simple cases may resolve in 6–12 months, but catastrophic cases with multiple defendants can take 2 years or more. We prioritize getting your case resolved as quickly as possible without sacrificing its value. As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

What if my child was injured in the accident?
The damages for a child include the impact on their entire future. We work with life care planners to ensure the settlement provides for their education, future medical needs, and lost earning potential.

What is “Black Box” data?
It is the truck’s Electronic Control Module. It records speed, braking, and engine data. It is the single most important piece of evidence in proving the trucker was speeding or didn’t brake before hitting you.

Do I need an attorney if the insurance company offered me money?
YES. Initial offers are designed to save the company money, not cover your needs. Never sign anything until Ralph Manginello has reviewed it.

Take Action Today: Your Fight Starts With One Call

You are not alone in this. The pain is constant, the medical bills are stacking up on your kitchen table in Silverton, and the trucking company’s adjuster won’t stop calling. You didn’t ask for this fight, but we are ready to finish it for you.

With 25+ years of experience and a track record of multi-million dollar recoveries, Attorney911 is the firm Briscoe County trusts. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We don’t just see a case number; we see a family that needs a future.

You pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs. No hidden fees. We advance all investigation expenses from accident reconstruction to medical experts. The clock is ticking—black box data is being overwritten as you read this.

Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Direct Phone: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

Available 24/7 for legal emergencies. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis. Your fight is our fight. Let’s start winning today.