18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Big Lake, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Big Lake’s highways, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of West Texas trucking cases. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

Why Big Lake Trucking Accidents Are Different

Big Lake sits at a critical juncture of West Texas trucking corridors. The combination of oilfield traffic, agricultural shipments, and cross-country freight creates a dangerous mix on our local roads. Unlike urban areas where traffic moves at a steady pace, Big Lake’s highways see sudden speed changes as trucks enter and exit oilfield sites, agricultural routes, and the main thoroughfares.

The most dangerous intersections and stretches in our area include:

• US-67 at FM 33
• The I-10 interchange near Big Lake
• The truck-heavy routes to the Permian Basin oilfields
• The agricultural corridors serving Reagan County’s farming operations

These areas see frequent truck traffic from major carriers, independent owner-operators, and specialized oilfield service vehicles. The result? A higher risk of catastrophic accidents that can change lives in an instant.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Big Lake

1. Oilfield Trucking Pressures

The oil and gas industry dominates our local economy, and with it comes intense pressure on drivers. Oilfield service companies often push drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to:

• Hours of service violations
• Speeding to meet delivery windows
• Improperly secured equipment
• Driver fatigue from long shifts

We’ve handled numerous cases where oilfield companies prioritized production over safety, resulting in devastating accidents on Big Lake’s roads.

2. Agricultural Trucking Challenges

Reagan County’s agricultural operations generate significant truck traffic, especially during harvest seasons. These trucks often:

• Carry heavy, uneven loads
• Operate on rural roads not designed for heavy vehicles
• Have older equipment that may not meet modern safety standards
• Are driven by seasonal workers with varying experience levels

3. Cross-Country Freight Hazards

Big Lake sits along major east-west trucking routes. The long-haul drivers passing through our area face unique risks:

• Driver fatigue from long stretches of highway
• Pressure to meet delivery deadlines
• Limited parking options leading to unsafe stops
• Changing road conditions between urban and rural areas

Why You Need a Big Lake Trucking Accident Attorney

1. Local Knowledge Matters

We understand Big Lake’s roads, weather patterns, and the specific challenges our community faces. Our team knows:

• Which intersections have poor visibility
• Where trucks frequently lose control on rural roads
• How local law enforcement handles trucking accidents
• The specific dangers of oilfield and agricultural trucking

2. We Know the Trucking Companies

Many trucking companies operating in our area have headquarters or major terminals within driving distance of Big Lake. We have experience dealing with:

• Major national carriers with local operations
• Regional oilfield service companies
• Agricultural cooperatives and haulers
• Independent owner-operators serving our community

3. We Understand the Medical Challenges

Big Lake’s medical resources are excellent, but serious trucking accident injuries often require specialized care. We work with:

• Big Lake Medical Center
• Regional trauma centers in San Angelo and Midland
• Specialists in San Antonio and Houston
• Rehabilitation facilities that understand trucking accident injuries

The Attorney911 Difference

1. Immediate Action

We don’t wait. When you call us after a Big Lake trucking accident, we:

• Send preservation letters to the trucking company within 24 hours
• Demand immediate download of black box and ELD data
• Begin gathering evidence before it disappears
• Connect you with medical care if needed

2. Insider Knowledge

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Proven Results

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

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for an amputation case
• $2.5+ million for a trucking accident victim
• Millions for families in wrongful death cases

4. Local Access

While we have offices across Texas, we’re never far from Big Lake. Our attorneys:

• Regularly visit Reagan County and surrounding areas
• Understand the local courts and judges
• Know the specific challenges of West Texas trucking cases
• Are available for in-person meetings when needed

What to Do After a Big Lake Trucking Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Visit:

• Big Lake Medical Center
• The nearest emergency room
• Your primary care physician

2. Document Everything

If you’re able, take photos of:

• The accident scene
• Vehicle damage
• Road conditions
• Your injuries
• Skid marks and debris

3. Get Critical Information

Collect:

• The truck driver’s name and CDL number
• The trucking company’s name and DOT number
• Insurance information
• Witness contact information

4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call quickly. They’re trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Politely decline to give a statement and call us instead.

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

Time is critical in trucking cases. Evidence disappears quickly. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll:

• Send preservation letters to protect evidence
• Begin investigating your case immediately
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Fight for the compensation you deserve

Common Trucking Accident Injuries in Big Lake

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Cognitive impairments
• Memory loss
• Personality changes

2. Spinal Cord Injuries

• Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Herniated discs
• Nerve damage
• Chronic pain

3. Amputations

• Loss of limbs
• Crush injuries requiring surgical amputation
• Prosthetic needs

4. Severe Burns

• From fuel fires
• From chemical spills
• From electrical fires

5. Internal Injuries

• Organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Broken ribs puncturing lungs

6. Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, families face:

• Loss of income
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Emotional trauma

How We Prove Liability in Big Lake Trucking Cases

1. Driver Negligence

We investigate whether the driver:

• Violated hours of service regulations
• Was distracted (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Was impaired (drugs, alcohol, fatigue)
• Failed to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violated traffic laws

2. Trucking Company Liability

We look for evidence of:

• Negligent hiring (inadequate background checks)
• Negligent training (poor safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failure to monitor drivers)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
• Negligent scheduling (pressure to violate HOS)

3. Vehicle Defects

We investigate potential defects in:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Steering systems
• Coupling devices
• Cargo securement systems

4. Cargo Issues

We examine whether:

• Cargo was improperly loaded
• Weight limits were exceeded
• Hazardous materials were improperly secured
• Cargo shifted during transit

The Evidence We Collect in Big Lake Trucking Cases

1. Electronic Data

• ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle)
• ELD records (hours of service compliance)
• GPS tracking data
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage

2. Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File
• Employment application
• Driving record
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records

3. Vehicle Records

• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Repair invoices
• Tire replacement records
• Brake adjustment records

4. Company Records

• Safety policies
• Training materials
• Dispatch records
• Hours of service records
• Accident history

5. Accident Scene Evidence

• Police reports
• Photographs
• Witness statements
• Skid mark analysis
• Road condition reports

Big Lake Trucking Accident FAQ

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Big Lake?

A: In Texas, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.

Q: How much is my Big Lake trucking accident case worth?

A: Every case is unique. Factors that affect case value include:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers, often $1 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can be fully compensated.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

A: Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make lowball offers shortly after accidents, before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. We can evaluate whether the offer is fair and negotiate for maximum compensation.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

A: Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

Q: How long will my case take to resolve?

A: Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

A: No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

A: Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company is still responsible for paying valid claims. We also investigate whether other parties may be liable, such as the cargo owner, maintenance company, or truck manufacturer.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I didn’t go to the hospital immediately?

A: Yes, but it’s more difficult. Insurance companies use delays in treatment to argue that injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. It’s always best to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.

Q: What if the police report says I was at fault?

A: Police reports are not the final word on liability. They’re based on preliminary investigations and may contain errors. We conduct our own thorough investigation and often find evidence that contradicts the police report.

Big Lake Trucking Accident Case Examples

While we can’t discuss specific cases due to confidentiality, we can share general examples of how we’ve helped trucking accident victims in West Texas:

Case Example 1: Oilfield Equipment Accident

A local oilfield worker was seriously injured when an 18-wheeler carrying drilling equipment lost control on US-67 near Big Lake. The trucking company had pressured the driver to meet a tight deadline, resulting in hours of service violations. The driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line.

We proved:

• The driver had violated hours of service regulations
• The trucking company had a history of safety violations
• The cargo was improperly secured
• The driver had a history of fatigue-related incidents

Result: Multi-million dollar settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Case Example 2: Agricultural Truck Roll Over

A family was traveling on FM 33 when an agricultural truck carrying cotton lost control and rolled over, crushing their vehicle. The truck was overloaded and had bald tires.

We proved:

• The truck was overloaded by 10,000 pounds
• The tires were severely worn
• The driver lacked proper training for hauling agricultural loads
• The loading company failed to properly secure the cargo

Result: Significant settlement covering medical expenses, vehicle replacement, and compensation for permanent injuries.

Case Example 3: Wrongful Death on I-10

A Big Lake resident was killed when an 18-wheeler rear-ended her vehicle on I-10. The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours without a break.

We proved:

• The driver violated hours of service regulations
• The trucking company encouraged drivers to falsify logs
• The truck’s brakes were poorly maintained
• The driver had a history of safety violations

Result: Multi-million dollar settlement for the victim’s family, including compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

Big Lake Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Medical Centers

• Big Lake Medical Center
• Shannon Medical Center (San Angelo)
• Midland Memorial Hospital
• Medical Center Hospital (Odessa)

Rehabilitation Facilities

• West Texas Rehabilitation Center (San Angelo)
• HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital (Midland)
• Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital (San Angelo)

Support Groups

• Brain Injury Association of Texas
• Spinal Cord Injury Support Group of West Texas
• Amputee Coalition of America

Government Resources

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Reagan County Sheriff’s Office

Contact Big Lake’s Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Big Lake, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll:

• Evaluate your case at no cost
• Explain your legal options
• Begin investigating immediately
• Fight for the compensation you deserve

Remember: We don’t get paid unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling us today.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 – we’re ready to fight for you.