18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Arcola, TX | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Arcola, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. The aftermath of a catastrophic truck crash can leave families devastated—physically, emotionally, and financially. At Attorney911, we have over 25 years of experience fighting for truck accident victims across Texas, including right here in Fort Bend County.

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 Arcola’s trucking corridors, from the bustling distribution centers near Highway 6 to the heavy freight traffic on FM 521. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arcola Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like typical car wrecks. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler—up to 80,000 pounds—creates forces that passenger vehicles simply can’t withstand. When a fully loaded truck collides with a car, the results are often catastrophic. In Arcola, we see a high volume of truck traffic serving the Houston metro area, including:

Distribution and logistics trucks moving goods between Houston and the Gulf Coast
Oil and gas industry trucks transporting equipment to and from the Eagle Ford Shale region
Retail and grocery trucks supplying stores across Fort Bend County
Construction trucks supporting Arcola’s growing infrastructure

These trucks travel through our community daily, sharing the road with families, commuters, and school buses. When trucking companies cut corners on safety, the consequences can be deadly.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Arcola

At Attorney911, we’ve handled hundreds of trucking accident cases and identified the most common causes of crashes in our area:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

Maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits

Despite these rules, we frequently see drivers working dangerously long hours. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to fatigue-related crashes. In one recent case, we proved a driver had been on the road for 18 consecutive hours before causing a fatal accident on Highway 6.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or lose control. In Arcola, we’ve seen accidents caused by:

Overloaded trucks exceeding weight limits
Improperly balanced loads causing rollovers
Unsecured cargo falling onto roadways
Liquid cargo sloshing and destabilizing tankers

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require specific securement methods based on cargo type. When loading companies fail to follow these rules, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common maintenance failures we see in Arcola include:

Worn brake pads not replaced
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Contaminated brake fluid
Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Trucking companies are required to maintain systematic inspection and maintenance programs (49 CFR § 396.3). When they neglect this duty, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal regulations, we still see truck drivers operating while distracted or impaired:

Texting or using hand-held phones (49 CFR § 392.82)
Using dispatch devices while driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4/5)
Eating or adjusting controls while driving

In one Arcola case, we proved a driver was texting at the time of a rear-end collision that left our client with permanent spinal injuries.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. At 65 mph, a fully loaded 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. When truck drivers speed or drive aggressively, they create dangerous situations that often result in catastrophic accidents.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Arcola

Our firm handles all types of trucking accidents, including:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents are particularly common on wet or icy roads and frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the most deadly. They occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often shearing off the vehicle’s roof. Federal regulations require rear impact guards on trailers (49 CFR § 393.86), but these guards often fail in crashes.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs. Common causes include:

Speeding on curves
Improperly secured cargo
Liquid cargo shifting in tankers
Sudden steering maneuvers

These accidents are particularly dangerous when they occur on highways like Highway 6, where they can block multiple lanes and cause secondary collisions.

Rear-End Collisions

When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Common causes include:

Following too closely
Driver distraction
Brake failures
Driver fatigue

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to complete turns. When making right turns, drivers often swing wide to the left first. This creates a gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots:

20 feet directly in front of the cab
30 feet behind the trailer
Along the left side from the cab door backward
Along the right side (the largest blind spot)

When truck drivers change lanes without properly checking these blind spots, serious accidents can occur.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of accidents annually. Common causes include:

Underinflated tires
Overloaded vehicles
Worn or aging tires
Road debris punctures

Brake Failures

Brake system failures are preventable with proper maintenance. When brakes fail, trucks cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

The injuries we see from trucking accidents in Arcola are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and depression
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing)
Speech difficulties

The lifetime cost of caring for a severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains

These injuries require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and assistive technology.

Amputations

The crushing forces of a truck accident can result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of severely damaged limbs.

Severe Burns

Truck accidents often result in fires from fuel tank ruptures or chemical cargo spills. Burn injuries require extensive treatment and often result in permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Arcola 18-Wheeler Accident?

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

Drivers can be held personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Failure to conduct proper inspections

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets. We pursue them for:

Vicarious liability (responsibility for their employees’ actions)
Negligent hiring (failing to properly vet drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own and arrange shipment of cargo can be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When accidents are caused by defective equipment, we pursue:

Truck manufacturers (for design defects)
Parts manufacturers (for defective components)
Maintenance companies (for improper repairs)

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Failure to verify carrier insurance
Failure to check carrier safety records

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence 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.

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident, including:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics Data: Shows the truck’s location and route history
Dashcam Footage: Captures video of the accident and driver behavior
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving

Driver Records

Complete Driver Qualification File
Employment application and background check
Driving record and previous employers
Medical certification and exam records
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records and certifications

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

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

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Arcola Trucking Accident Case?

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, he has recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is critical for handling interstate trucking cases that fall under federal jurisdiction.

Proven Track Record of Results

We have recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

$5+ Million for a logging company brain injury case
$3.8+ Million for a car accident amputation case
$2.5+ Million for truck crash recoveries
Millions for families in wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Arcola and Fort Bend County

We know Arcola’s trucking corridors, the local courts, and the unique challenges of trucking cases in our area. From the distribution centers near Highway 6 to the residential streets where trucks share the road with families, we understand the local landscape.

Bilingual Services

Many truck drivers and accident victims in Arcola speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. 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 Arcola

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

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Common Questions About Arcola Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

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 limits ($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. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Trucking companies are required to carry insurance. Even if the company goes out of business, their insurance policy should still cover your claim. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

Arcola Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – 16655 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital – 17500 W Grand Pkwy S, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus – 18200 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094

Fort Bend County Courts

Fort Bend County District Courts handle personal injury lawsuits
Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Courts handle smaller claims

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

Fort Bend County TxDOT Office – 301 Jackson St, Richmond, TX 77469
TxDOT Crash Records – https://www.txdot.gov/

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

FMCSA Safety Records – https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/
FMCSA Company Snapshots – https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Arcola, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Arcola trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“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

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español. Our team is ready to fight for you.