18-Wheeler Accidents in Dumas, Texas: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment your car collides with an 18-wheeler on Dumas’ highways, your life divides into before and after. The force of impact from an 80,000-pound truck is unlike any other vehicle accident. The injuries are often catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or even wrongful death. The medical bills pile up. The insurance companies call with lowball offers. The trucking company’s lawyers start building their defense.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Dumas, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team that understands the unique dangers of Moore County’s trucking corridors and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

Why Dumas 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Dumas sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking routes. The intersection of US Highway 287 and State Highway 152 sees constant commercial traffic moving through Moore County. The nearby I-40 corridor connects Dumas to major distribution hubs in Amarillo and beyond. Local industries like agriculture and oilfield services generate significant truck traffic on rural routes.

When accidents happen on these roads, the consequences are often devastating. The size and weight disparity between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks means that what might be a fender-bender between cars becomes a life-altering catastrophe when an 18-wheeler is involved.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Dumas

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Roads

Dumas winters can be harsh, with sudden ice storms creating treacherous conditions. When a truck driver brakes suddenly on icy roads, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, creating a massive obstacle that sweeps across multiple lanes. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups with catastrophic injuries.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

The rural highways around Dumas, with their long straight stretches and occasional sharp curves, are prime locations for rollover accidents. When truck drivers take curves too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly, the high center of gravity of fully loaded trucks makes them prone to tipping over. These accidents frequently spill cargo across the roadway, creating additional hazards.

Underride Collisions at Intersections

The intersections in Dumas, particularly along US 287, see many underride accidents where passenger vehicles slide underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most deadly accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Rear-End Collisions on US 287

The heavy truck traffic on US 287 creates significant risks of rear-end collisions. When trucks follow too closely or fail to stop in time, the massive force of impact can crush smaller vehicles. These accidents commonly cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Dumas

Trucks making wide right turns in downtown Dumas often create dangerous “squeeze play” situations where they swing left before turning right, creating a gap that smaller vehicles try to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it can crush the vehicle that entered the gap.

Tire Blowouts on Long Hauls

The long stretches of highway around Dumas see many tire blowout accidents. When a truck tire fails at high speed, the driver can lose control, causing the truck to veer into other lanes or even roll over. The debris from the blown tire can also strike following vehicles.

Brake Failure on Steep Grades

While Dumas isn’t mountainous, the gradual grades on some rural routes can still cause brake failure when trucks are heavily loaded. Overheated brakes lose effectiveness, making it impossible for drivers to stop in time to avoid collisions.

Cargo Spill Accidents

The agricultural products and oilfield equipment transported through Dumas create risks of cargo spills. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck. In some cases, hazardous materials create additional dangers when spilled.

Why You Need a Dumas Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast in Trucking Cases

The most critical evidence in your case – black box data, electronic logging device records, dashcam footage – can be overwritten or deleted within days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Trucking Companies Have Rapid Response Teams

Within hours of an accident, trucking companies dispatch rapid response teams to protect their interests. These teams include investigators, adjusters, and lawyers who start building the company’s defense immediately. You need someone on your side just as fast.

Complex Liability Requires Expert Investigation

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties – the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider, and others. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

High Insurance Limits Mean Bigger Recoveries

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers – at least $750,000 and often $1-5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, but only if you know how to access these funds.

The 10 Parties That Could Be Liable for Your Dumas Trucking Accident

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for their negligent conduct, including:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, 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 trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety. They can be liable for:

• Vicarious liability: When the driver is an employee acting within the scope of employment
• Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers’ qualifications and safety records
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training for drivers
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Failing to properly maintain vehicles
• Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment 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 that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

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

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The companies that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components 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 (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

• Defective brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets 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 but don’t own trucks 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

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances 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 FMCSA Regulations That Trucking Companies Violate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

Part 390: General Applicability

This part defines who must comply with federal trucking regulations. It applies to all motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, including:

• Vehicles with GVWR over 10,001 lbs
• Vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers (including driver)
• Vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for max 2 years)
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Common violations we find in Dumas trucking cases:

• Missing or incomplete DQ files
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Failing to check previous employers
• Allowing drivers to operate without valid medical certification
• Not conducting annual driving record reviews

Part 392: Driving Rules

This part establishes rules for the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles:

• Ill or fatigued operators: Drivers cannot operate while impaired by fatigue or illness
• Drugs and alcohol: Drivers cannot use Schedule I substances or be under the influence of alcohol
• Alcohol: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving, no possession while on duty
• Speeding: Cannot schedule runs requiring excessive speed
• Following too closely: Must maintain safe following distance
• Mobile phone use: Prohibits hand-held phones and texting while driving

Common violations in Dumas accidents:

• Drivers operating while fatigued
• Distracted driving from cell phone use
• Following too closely in heavy traffic
• Speeding for conditions on rural highways

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

This part establishes equipment and cargo securement standards:

• Cargo securement: Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting or falling
• Brakes: All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems
• Lighting: Required lighting includes headlamps, tail lamps, clearance lamps, and reflectors

Common violations in Dumas cases:

• Improperly secured cargo causing rollovers
• Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
• Non-functioning lights and reflectors
• Tire violations (worn tread, improper inflation)

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations and a major cause of trucking accidents:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely to changing road conditions.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

This part requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all CMVs:

• General maintenance requirement: Must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles
• Driver inspection requirements: Drivers must inspect vehicles before and after trips
• Annual inspection: Every CMV must pass a comprehensive annual inspection
• Maintenance record retention: Records must be kept for 1 year

Common violations in Dumas cases:

• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Deferred maintenance on critical systems
• Ignoring known defects
• Not keeping proper maintenance records

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Your Dumas Trucking Case

Electronic Data That Disappears Fast

ECM/Black Box Data:
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location
• Fault codes revealing mechanical issues

ELD Data:
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

Why This Evidence Matters:
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. It can prove speeding, delayed braking, or hours of service violations that caused the accident.

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. We send these letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to:

• Put the trucking company on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Create serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Allow courts to impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation

What We Demand in the Spoliation Letter

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history

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
• Parts purchase and installation 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
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

The Catastrophic Injuries from Dumas Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or when limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, electrical fires, or friction burns from road contact.

Burn Classification:

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

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can bring wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

The Insurance and Compensation Available in Dumas Trucking Cases

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Why This Matters for Your Dumas Case:

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available – and often much more. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Texas

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 (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 caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000)
• $200,000

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible in Texas Trucking Cases

Recent years have seen unprecedented jury verdicts against trucking companies. These “nuclear verdicts” demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

• $730 Million (2021, Texas): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million (2022, Texas): Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 Million (2024, Texas): Trucking verdict for catastrophic injuries
• $35.5 Million (Texas): Family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million (2025, Fort Worth): Largest verdict in Tarrant County history

Why These Verdicts Matter for Your Dumas Case:

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens settlement negotiations. When we prepare your case for trial, we create leverage that leads to better settlements.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Dumas

Immediate Steps at the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, take these steps immediately after a trucking accident in Dumas:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and emergency medical services
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
3. Document the scene – Take photos and video if possible
   • All vehicle damage (truck and your vehicle)
   • The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
   • Your injuries
   • Traffic signals and signs
   • Weather and lighting conditions
4. Get the trucking company information
   • Company name and DOT number (on the truck door)
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Insurance information
5. Collect witness information – Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly – don’t talk to them without an attorney
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not seeking immediate medical attention – Adrenaline masks pain, and injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days
2. Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters – They work for the trucking company and will use your words against you
3. Posting on social media – Insurance companies will find your posts and use them to minimize your claim
4. Accepting a quick settlement offer – These are always lowball offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
5. Not preserving evidence – Critical evidence can disappear within days if not preserved
6. Waiting to contact an attorney – Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Dumas Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. He has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

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.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost. We demand immediate download of black box data, ELD records, maintenance records, and all other evidence that the trucking company would prefer to destroy.

Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We have comprehensive knowledge of all FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). We know how to identify violations that prove negligence and how to use those violations to build strong cases for maximum compensation.

Federal Court Capability

With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court. This capability is critical for cases involving carriers operating across state lines.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We have recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our track record of success gives us leverage in negotiations and the credibility to take cases to trial when necessary.

Local Knowledge of Dumas Trucking Corridors

We understand the unique trucking dangers in Moore County:

• The heavy truck traffic on US 287
• The intersection of US 287 and SH 152
• The rural highways used by agricultural and oilfield trucks
• The local courts and judges that handle trucking cases
• The local trauma centers and medical providers

Bilingual Services for Dumas’ Hispanic Community

Many truck drivers and accident victims in Dumas speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

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.

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Handle Your Dumas Trucking Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation 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
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Common Questions About Dumas Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Dumas?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Dumas hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Dumas?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Dumas?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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. If you were less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely to changing road conditions.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find in Dumas trucking cases:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Dumas?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Dumas?

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 ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Dumas?

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

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

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

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases 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.

Will my trucking accident 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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

NO. 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.

Call Attorney911 Now for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Dumas, Texas, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer trucking accident calls 24/7 and will send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.

Remember:

• Evidence disappears fast – black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Trucking companies have rapid response teams working against you
• Multiple parties may be liable for your injuries
• Higher insurance limits mean bigger recoveries are possible
• You pay nothing unless we win your case

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 now and let us fight for what you deserve.