18-Wheeler Accidents in Cranfills Gap: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Cranfills Gap’s highways, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges of your life. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Texas, and we understand exactly what you’re going through.

Why Cranfills Gap Trucking Accidents Are Different

Cranfills Gap sits at the intersection of several critical trucking routes that serve Central Texas. The trucking corridors around our community see heavy commercial traffic from:

US Highway 67 – Connecting Stephenville to Brownwood, this route carries agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and general freight through our area
FM 219 – A vital link between Cranfills Gap and surrounding communities that sees significant truck traffic
Nearby I-35 corridor – Major interstate just east of us that handles massive freight volumes
Local distribution centers – Serving farms, ranches, and businesses throughout Bosque County

These routes create unique risks for Cranfills Gap drivers. The mix of local traffic and long-haul trucks, combined with the rural nature of our roads, means accidents often involve:

Fatigued drivers pushing through long shifts on rural highways
Overloaded trucks carrying agricultural or industrial cargo
Poorly maintained vehicles that haven’t been properly inspected
Hazardous road conditions that aren’t always well-marked in rural areas

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents

The physics of these collisions are brutal. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the results are often catastrophic:

Traumatic brain injuries that change lives forever
Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
Amputations from crushing forces
Severe burns from fuel fires
Internal organ damage that may not be immediately apparent
Wrongful death that devastates families

These aren’t just statistics – they’re the real consequences we’ve seen time and again in our Cranfills Gap trucking accident cases.

What Makes Our Firm Different

When you’re up against trucking companies with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance coverage, you need more than just any attorney – you need a fighter who knows their tactics inside and out. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters, and try to minimize payouts. This insider knowledge gives us a critical advantage in building your case and negotiating with insurance companies.

2. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. We’ve handled cases against major corporations like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know how to investigate these complex cases, gather critical evidence, and present compelling arguments to juries.

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may need to be filed in federal court. This is crucial for cases involving multiple states or complex federal regulations.

4. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act fast to protect critical evidence before it disappears. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. We send preservation letters immediately to ensure all evidence is protected.

5. Multilingual Representation

Many truck drivers in our area speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, ensuring clear communication and avoiding misunderstandings that could hurt your case.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Cranfills Gap

Understanding what went wrong is crucial to building a strong case. In our experience with Cranfills Gap trucking accidents, we frequently see:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart requirements

Despite these rules, we often find drivers pushing beyond these limits due to pressure from trucking companies to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving – reaction times slow, judgment becomes impaired, and drivers may even fall asleep at the wheel.

2. Distracted Driving

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major problem. Federal regulations specifically prohibit:

Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
Texting while driving
Reaching for devices in a way that requires leaving the seated position

Yet we frequently find drivers using phones, GPS devices, or dispatch systems while behind the wheel.

3. Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common maintenance failures we see include:

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

4. Cargo Securement Violations

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require cargo to be properly secured to prevent shifting or falling from the vehicle. Common violations include:

Inadequate number of tiedowns
Using worn or damaged securement devices
Improper load distribution
Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
Not re-inspecting cargo during long trips

When cargo shifts or falls, it can cause rollovers, loss of control, or create road hazards for other drivers.

5. Tire Blowouts

Truck tires must meet strict federal standards for tread depth and condition. Common causes of blowouts include:

Underinflated tires
Overloading beyond tire capacity
Worn or aging tires not replaced
Road debris punctures
Manufacturing defects
Improper tire matching on dual wheels

A blowout at highway speeds can cause the driver to lose control, leading to jackknife accidents or rollovers.

6. Improper Training and Negligent Hiring

Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are properly qualified and trained. We often find:

Incomplete Driver Qualification Files
Failure to verify driving records
Lack of proper training on specific equipment
Hiring drivers with poor safety records
No background checks for criminal history

When companies cut corners on hiring and training, they put everyone on the road at risk.

The Evidence We Gather in Cranfills Gap Trucking Cases

Building a strong case requires collecting and analyzing multiple types of evidence. Our investigation process includes:

1. Electronic Data Preservation

Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, brake application, throttle position, and other operational parameters before and during the crash
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics Data: Provides location history, speed patterns, and route information
Dashcam Footage: May show the accident from the truck’s perspective

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this data before it’s overwritten or deleted.

2. Driver Qualification and Employment Records

We subpoena the trucking company for:

Complete Driver Qualification File
Employment application and background check
Driving record and previous employer verification
Medical certification and drug test results
Training records and certifications
Previous accident and violation history
Performance reviews and disciplinary records

These records often reveal patterns of negligence or regulatory violations.

3. Maintenance and Inspection Records

We obtain:

Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
Annual inspection records
Maintenance work orders
Parts purchase and installation records
Out-of-service orders and repairs
Brake inspection and adjustment history

Poor maintenance records can prove negligence on the part of the trucking company.

4. Cargo and Loading Records

We examine:

Bills of lading and cargo manifests
Loading company records
Securement equipment used
Weight distribution documentation
Hazmat disclosure documentation (if applicable)

Improper loading can cause cargo shifts that lead to accidents.

5. Accident Scene Investigation

Our team conducts a thorough investigation of the accident scene, including:

Photographing all vehicles involved
Documenting skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
Measuring distances and angles
Interviewing witnesses
Obtaining police reports and 911 call recordings
Securing surveillance footage from nearby businesses

6. Expert Analysis

We work with specialized experts to analyze the evidence and provide testimony:

Accident reconstruction specialists: Determine how the crash occurred
Medical experts: Establish the extent of injuries and future care needs
Vocational experts: Calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts: Determine present value of all damages
Life care planners: Develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
Trucking safety experts: Identify regulatory violations and industry standards

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Cranfills Gap Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against all potentially responsible parties, including:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, etc.)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violation of traffic laws

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company can be held liable through:

Vicarious liability: For the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
Direct negligence: For their own failures, including:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified 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)

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
Not training loaders on securement requirements

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

The manufacturer may be liable for:

Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

Defective brakes or brake components
Defective tires causing blowouts
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components
Defective coupling devices

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

10. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Failure to install safety barriers
Improper work zone setup

The Critical 48-Hour Window After a Trucking Accident

Time is of the essence in trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests. Here’s what you need to know about the critical first 48 hours:

What Trucking Companies Do After an Accident

Within hours of a serious accident, trucking companies typically:

Dispatch rapid-response teams to the accident scene to begin protecting their interests
Download black box and ELD data to analyze what happened
Secure the truck and trailer before it can be properly inspected
Interview the driver to get their version of events
Contact insurance adjusters to begin building their defense
Preserve evidence that helps them while allowing evidence that hurts them to disappear

What You Should Do Immediately

If you’re able to after an accident in Cranfills Gap:

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 at 1-888-ATTY-911

What We Do in the First 48 Hours

When you call us, we spring into action:

Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence
Demand immediate download of all ECM, ELD, and black box data
Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage from nearby businesses
Photograph all damage, tire marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Hire accident reconstruction experts for complex crashes

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Cranfills Gap Trucking Cases

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs occur when the brain is jolted or penetrated, causing damage that can range from mild to severe:

Mild TBI (Concussion): May cause temporary confusion, headaches, and memory problems
Moderate TBI: Can result in extended unconsciousness and significant cognitive deficits
Severe TBI: Often leads to permanent disability, requiring lifelong care

Symptoms may include:

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

Lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury

Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions and may require ventilator assistance for breathing. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for low paraplegia to $5 million+ for high quadriplegia.

3. Amputations

Amputations can occur at the accident scene or may be required later due to severe damage:

Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene
Surgical Amputation: Limb so damaged it must be surgically removed

Ongoing needs include:

Initial surgery and hospitalization
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home modifications

4. Severe Burns

Burns in trucking accidents often result from:

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

Burn classifications:

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)

5. Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

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

These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

6. Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

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

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, often ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. The types of damages you may recover include:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs including:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Medical equipment
- Home modifications
- Long-term care
Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability due to permanent disability
Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, etc.
Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage and family relationships
Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas law allows punitive damages up to the greater of:

Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000), or
$200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements in Texas

Juries in Texas have shown they’re willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. Recent verdicts include:

$730 Million (2021): Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman in Texas
$150 Million (2022): Werner settlement for two children killed on I-30
$37.5 Million (2024): Trucking verdict in Texas
$35.5 Million: Family injured in Texas truck accident
$35 Million (2025): Largest verdict in Tarrant County history

These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident in Cranfills Gap

Immediately After the Accident

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 at 1-888-ATTY-911

In the Days Following the Accident

Follow all medical advice and attend all appointments
Keep all medical records and bills
Document your injuries with photos as they heal
Keep a pain journal describing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life
Avoid discussing the accident on social media
Do not sign anything from insurance companies without consulting your attorney

What NOT to Do

Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
Don’t post about the accident on social media
Don’t accept quick settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries
Don’t delay medical treatment – gaps in treatment can hurt your case
Don’t talk to the trucking company without your attorney present

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cranfills Gap Trucking Case

1. We Know Cranfills Gap’s Trucking Corridors

We’re familiar with the specific challenges of trucking accidents in our area, including:

The unique traffic patterns on US 67 and FM 219
The types of cargo commonly transported through our community
The local hospitals and medical providers who treat trucking accident victims
The courts and judges who handle these cases in Bosque County

2. We Have the Resources to Fight Big Trucking Companies

Taking on major trucking companies requires significant resources. We have:

Access to top accident reconstruction experts
Relationships with medical specialists who treat catastrophic injuries
Experience with complex litigation against Fortune 500 companies
The financial resources to advance all case costs

3. We Offer Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager. We keep you informed every step of the way and make sure you understand all your options.

4. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that trucking accidents often create financial hardship. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis – you pay absolutely nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all the costs of investigating and litigating your case.

5. We Have a Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our results include:

Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury cases
Significant recoveries for wrongful death claims
Successful outcomes against major corporations like Walmart, Coca-Cola, and Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranfills Gap Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

2. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.

3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors, including:

The severity of your injuries
Your medical expenses (past and future)
Your lost income and earning capacity
The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
The insurance coverage available
The impact on your quality of life

We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.

4. 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.

5. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

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

6. Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Bankruptcy complicates recovery but doesn’t necessarily prevent it. We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:

The trucking company’s insurance policy
Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)
The driver’s personal assets
Any umbrella or excess insurance policies

7. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get the medical treatment you need. Many doctors will treat trucking accident victims on a lien basis, meaning they’ll get paid from your settlement. We have relationships with medical providers who understand these arrangements.

8. How long will my case take to resolve?

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 ensuring you receive full compensation.

9. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?

Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make lowball offers early in the process before the full extent of your injuries is known. We can evaluate any offer and negotiate for a fair settlement.

10. Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all the costs of investigating and litigating your case, and our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Our Promise to Cranfills Gap Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident can take on you and your family. We promise to:

Treat you like family – not just another case number
Fight aggressively for the maximum compensation you deserve
Keep you informed every step of the way
Handle all the legal details so you can focus on healing
Never settle for less than your case is worth
Be available 24/7 to answer your questions
Work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win

Call Us Now for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Cranfills Gap, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. There’s no fee unless we win, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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

“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 push you around. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready to fight for you.