18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Diboll, TX | Attorney911

Every year, hundreds of families in Diboll and across East Texas face life-altering injuries from 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in Diboll, Angelina County, or anywhere in East Texas, you need attorneys who understand the unique challenges of these cases.

At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of commercial truck crashes. We know Diboll’s highways, the trucking corridors that serve our community, and how to build cases that force trucking companies to pay what you deserve.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Diboll Trucking Accidents Are Different

Diboll sits at the intersection of major trucking routes that serve East Texas and beyond. US-59, US-69, and State Highway 94 are critical corridors for timber, oilfield equipment, and commercial freight. While these highways keep our economy moving, they also bring significant truck traffic—and increased risk for local drivers.

Diboll’s Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors

• US-59 (Future I-69) – The primary north-south route connecting Lufkin to Houston, carrying heavy timber and oilfield loads.
• US-69 – A major east-west corridor linking Beaumont to Tyler, with significant commercial and agricultural truck traffic.
• State Highway 94 – Serves local timber operations and connects Diboll to Lufkin, with frequent logging truck activity.
• FM 1973 & FM 2021 – Rural routes with limited shoulders, sharp curves, and high-speed truck traffic.
• Local distribution centers – Nearby facilities for timber, manufacturing, and retail create concentrated truck traffic in and around Diboll.

These roads present unique hazards:

• Narrow shoulders that force trucks and cars into close proximity
• Sharp curves that challenge truck stability, especially when overloaded
• Limited lighting on rural stretches, increasing nighttime collision risks
• Timber truck traffic with specialized loading and securement challenges
• Oilfield equipment transport that may exceed weight limits or require wide turns

When accidents happen on these roads, the injuries are often severe. The size and weight disparity between an 18-wheeler and your car means you’re fighting for your life while the truck driver walks away with minor injuries—or none at all.

The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Diboll

Trucking accidents in Diboll and Angelina County typically fall into these dangerous categories:

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a sharp angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On Diboll’s highways, these accidents frequently happen when:

• Drivers brake suddenly on wet or slick roads
• Empty trailers lose traction on curves
• Improperly loaded cargo shifts during transit
• Brake systems fail due to poor maintenance

Jackknife accidents on US-59 and US-69 often lead to multi-vehicle pileups, especially during morning and evening commutes when traffic is heaviest.

2. Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the deadliest truck crashes. They occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. In Diboll, these accidents often happen:

• At intersections where trucks make wide turns
• When trucks stop suddenly without adequate warning
• In low-light conditions where the trailer isn’t properly marked
• When rear impact guards are missing or defective

The trailer height often shears off the top of passenger vehicles, causing decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries.

3. Tire Blowouts

East Texas heat and long highway stretches make tire blowouts a significant hazard. When a truck tire fails:

• The driver may lose control, swerving into other lanes
• Debris can strike following vehicles, causing windshield damage or loss of control
• The truck may jackknife or roll over

Tire blowouts on US-59 are particularly dangerous because of the high speeds and heavy traffic.

4. Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers occur when the trailer tips onto its side, often due to:

• Taking curves too fast (common on FM 1973 and FM 2021)
• Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit
• Top-heavy loads (common with timber and oilfield equipment)
• Driver overcorrection after running off the road

Rollover accidents frequently spill cargo onto the highway, creating secondary crash hazards.

5. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

Trucks have massive blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles. In Diboll, these accidents commonly occur:

• When trucks change lanes on US-59 without checking mirrors
• When cars follow too closely behind trucks
• When vehicles linger in the right-side blind spot during right turns
• When drivers fail to signal lane changes

The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous because it extends much further than most drivers realize.

6. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to make turns. Wide turn accidents happen when:

• Trucks swing left before making a right turn
• Vehicles attempt to pass on the right
• Drivers fail to check mirrors before turning
• Intersections are poorly designed for large vehicles

These accidents are common at Diboll intersections where trucks must navigate tight turns.

7. Rear-End Collisions

Trucks require 525 feet to stop when traveling at 65 mph—nearly two football fields. Rear-end collisions occur when:

• Trucks follow too closely
• Drivers are distracted or fatigued
• Brake systems fail
• Drivers don’t anticipate traffic slowdowns

On US-59, these accidents often happen when trucks fail to slow down for traffic entering from side roads.

8. Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks, creating hazards for following vehicles. In Diboll, this is especially dangerous with:

• Timber loads that can shift during transport
• Oilfield equipment that may not be properly secured
• Construction materials falling from flatbeds
• Hazardous materials spilling onto the roadway

Cargo spills on rural highways like FM 1973 can go unnoticed for miles, creating deadly obstacles for unsuspecting drivers.

Why Trucking Companies Are So Dangerous

Trucking companies prioritize profit over safety. Their business model creates systemic pressures that lead to accidents:

The Pressure to Violate Hours of Service Rules

Federal regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. However, trucking companies often pressure drivers to:

• Drive beyond legal limits to meet delivery deadlines
• Falsify electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Skip required 30-minute breaks
• Work through fatigue to maximize profits

ELD data shows that fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. When we investigate Diboll trucking accidents, we frequently find hours-of-service violations that prove the driver was dangerously fatigued.

Negligent Hiring and Training

Trucking companies have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers and provide proper training. Too often, they cut corners by:

• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Failing to verify commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
• Skipping background checks
• Providing inadequate training on cargo securement
• Not training drivers on Diboll’s specific road hazards

When we subpoena driver qualification files, we often find incomplete records or red flags that the company ignored.

Deferred Maintenance

Trucks travel thousands of miles through East Texas heat, rain, and rough roads. Proper maintenance is critical, but many companies:

• Skip required pre-trip inspections
• Ignore brake adjustment requirements
• Don’t replace worn tires
• Defer repairs to save money
• Fail to maintain proper lighting and reflectors

Brake failures are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. When we inspect trucks involved in Diboll accidents, we frequently find maintenance violations that should have kept the vehicle off the road.

Overloading and Improper Cargo Securement

Federal cargo securement regulations (49 CFR 393) require specific tiedowns and weight distribution. However, companies often:

• Overload trucks beyond legal limits
• Use insufficient or worn tiedowns
• Improperly distribute weight, making trucks unstable
• Fail to secure loads with proper blocking and bracing
• Don’t train loaders on securement requirements

Improper cargo securement causes rollovers and cargo spills that endanger everyone on Diboll’s roads.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Diboll Trucking Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

These injuries don’t just affect the victim—they change entire families. Spouses become caregivers. Children grow up without parents. Families face financial ruin from medical bills and lost income.

Who Is Liable for Your Diboll Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• 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 company may be liable for:

• Vicarious liability (responsibility for employee actions)
• 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 rules)

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery

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

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers 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. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies 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. The Freight Broker

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 be liable for:

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

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government 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 Evidence We Preserve in Every Diboll Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data (Must Be Preserved Within 30 Days)

Driver and Company Records

• Driver Qualification File (employment application, background check, medical certification, training records)
• Hours of Service Records (ELD data, paper logs if applicable)
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results (pre-employment and random testing)
• Previous Accident and Violation History
• Maintenance and Repair Records
• Inspection Reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Cargo Manifests and Loading Records
• Safety Policies and Training Curricula

Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer (before repair or disposal)
• Failed or damaged components (brakes, tires, steering)
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved
• Vehicle damage patterns

Scene Evidence

• Police crash reports
• Photographs of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
• Witness statements
• Security camera footage from nearby businesses
• Road condition documentation
• Weather reports

How We Prove the Trucking Company Was Negligent

Building a strong trucking accident case requires proving that the trucking company or driver violated federal regulations or acted negligently. Here’s how we do it:

1. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents. We prove HOS violations by:

• Obtaining ELD data showing driving beyond legal limits
• Identifying falsified log entries
• Demonstrating inadequate rest periods
• Showing pattern of violations in the company’s safety record

Example: In a recent Diboll case, ELD data showed the driver had been on duty for 16 consecutive hours when he rear-ended our client on US-59. The trucking company had pressured him to make a delivery despite his fatigue.

2. Negligent Hiring (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify driver qualifications. We prove negligent hiring by:

• Obtaining the Driver Qualification File
• Identifying missing or incomplete background checks
• Finding previous accidents or violations the company ignored
• Showing inadequate drug and alcohol testing

Example: In an Angelina County case, we discovered the trucking company hired a driver with three previous DUI convictions and failed to conduct a proper background check.

3. Negligent Training

Drivers must be properly trained on safety procedures. We prove negligent training by:

• Obtaining the company’s training curricula
• Identifying gaps in safety training
• Demonstrating inadequate cargo securement training
• Showing lack of training on Diboll’s specific road hazards

Example: In a recent case, the driver had never been trained on proper cargo securement for timber loads. His improperly secured load shifted on FM 1973, causing a rollover.

4. Negligent Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucks must be maintained in safe operating condition. We prove negligent maintenance by:

• Obtaining maintenance records
• Identifying deferred repairs
• Finding out-of-service violations
• Demonstrating pattern of maintenance neglect

Example: In a Diboll case, we proved the trucking company knew about a brake defect but continued operating the truck for three weeks before the accident.

5. Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills. We prove cargo securement violations by:

• Obtaining loading records
• Analyzing tiedown specifications
• Demonstrating insufficient blocking and bracing
• Showing cargo weight distribution problems

Example: In a recent case, the loading company used only two tiedowns for a 20-foot steel beam. The beam shifted during transport on US-69, causing the truck to roll over.

6. Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 392)

Drivers must not operate under the influence. We prove violations by:

• Obtaining drug and alcohol test results
• Finding positive tests the company ignored
• Demonstrating pattern of substance abuse

Example: In an Angelina County case, the driver tested positive for methamphetamine after the accident. The company had failed to conduct proper pre-employment drug testing.

The Damages You Can Recover in a Diboll Trucking Accident Case

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages when a trucking company’s negligence causes your injuries:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost Wages (income lost due to injury and recovery)
• Lost Earning Capacity (reduction in future earning ability)
• Property Damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses (transportation to medical appointments, home modifications)
• 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)
• Disfigurement (scarring, visible injuries)
• Loss of Consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Physical Impairment (reduced physical capabilities)

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company 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)
• $200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements (What’s Possible in Your Case)

Juries in Texas and across the country are holding trucking companies accountable with massive verdicts:

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. While every case is different, the trend is clear: juries are willing to award massive damages when companies prioritize profit over safety.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Diboll Trucking Accident Case?

When you’re up against a trucking company with millions in insurance and teams of lawyers, you need attorneys who can level the playing field. Here’s why Diboll families choose Attorney911:

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

• We focus exclusively on commercial vehicle accidents
• We understand federal trucking regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)
• We know how to preserve and analyze electronic evidence (ECM, ELD, GPS)
• We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

• Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm
• He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims
• He uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation

3. We Have the Resources to Win

• We work with accident reconstruction experts
• We retain medical experts to document your injuries
• We hire vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
• We advance all costs of litigation (you pay nothing upfront)

4. We’re Trial Lawyers Who Aren’t Afraid to Go to Court

• Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• Insurance companies know we’ll take them to court if they lowball our clients
• Our trial experience gives us leverage in settlement negotiations

5. We Offer Personal Attention (Unlike Mega-Firms)

• You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña
• We answer your calls and respond to emails promptly
• We treat you like family, not a case number
• Our smaller caseload means more attention for your case

6. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

• Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
• We serve Diboll’s Hispanic community directly, without interpreters
• We understand the unique challenges Hispanic families face

7. We Work on Contingency (You Pay Nothing Unless We Win)

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No bills if we don’t recover compensation
• Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Diboll

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Diboll or Angelina County, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Request police and emergency medical services
• Report all injuries, even if they seem minor
• Ask for a police report (critical evidence for your case)

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents
• Internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days
• Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim
• Go to the emergency room or urgent care center

3. Document the Scene

• Take photos of all vehicle damage
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
• Get the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name
• Take photos of your injuries
• Collect witness contact information

4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
• Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
• Politely decline and refer them to your attorney

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately

• Critical evidence disappears quickly
• We’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve evidence
• We’ll begin investigating while the evidence is fresh
• We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company

Frequently Asked Questions About Diboll Trucking Accidents

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

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.

2. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’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.

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 trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy remains in effect. We identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

6. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

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

Texas follows the 51% bar rule. 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.

8. How do I prove the driver was fatigued?

We prove fatigue through:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing pressure to meet deadlines
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Previous violations in the company’s safety record

9. What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence. We demand preservation of all video evidence immediately. If the trucking company refuses, we can ask the court to impose sanctions.

10. How long does a trucking accident 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 maximizing your recovery.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Diboll, Angelina County, or anywhere in East Texas, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Our Diboll trucking accident lawyers offer:
✅ Free consultations – No obligation, no pressure
✅ 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
✅ No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Personal attention – You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña
✅ Spanish services – Hablamos Español
✅ Trial experience – We’re not afraid to take your case to court

Remember: Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need attorneys who move just as fast.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence in your case. Your fight for justice starts with one call.