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City of Ferris 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph P. Manginello—Federal Court Admitted Trial Attorney with Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts, Including $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families—Plus Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña’s Insider Tactics to Counter Claims Denials, FMCSA 49 CFR Regulation Masters (Hours of Service, Black Box Data, Driver Qualification Violations), Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure & All Crash Types, Catastrophic Injury Specialists (TBI, Spinal Cord, Amputation, Wrongful Death), Same-Day Evidence Preservation, No Fee Unless We Win, Free 24/7 Consultation, 1-888-ATTY-911, Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), 4.9★ Google Rating, Featured on ABC13 & Houston Chronicle—The Firm Insurers Fear When City of Ferris Families Need Maximum Compensation

February 5, 2026 19 min read
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18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in City of Ferris, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Ferris, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve. Trucking accidents are not like regular car crashes—they involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries that can change your life forever.

At Attorney911, our City of Ferris trucking accident attorneys have over 25 years of experience holding negligent trucking companies accountable. We know the Ellis County courts, the Texas highways, and the FMCSA regulations that trucking companies violate. Most importantly, we know how to win.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in City of Ferris, Texas

An 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds20 to 25 times more than a passenger car. When a fully loaded truck crashes, the force is devastating. Unlike car accidents, trucking accidents involve:

Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA violations)
Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers)
Black box data (ECM/ELD evidence that can disappear in 30 days)
Higher insurance limits ($750K–$5M, compared to $30K in car accidents)
Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations, wrongful death)

If you’ve been hurt in a City of Ferris trucking accident, you need a lawyer who understands these complexities.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Ferris, Texas

Trucking accidents in City of Ferris and Ellis County often happen because of:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Truck drivers are required to follow strict federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules to prevent fatigue-related crashes. However, many drivers and trucking companies falsify logbooks or pressure drivers to exceed limits.

  • 11-hour driving limit (after 10 consecutive hours off duty)
  • 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond 14th hour)
  • 30-minute break (required after 8 hours of driving)
  • 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Violation Example: If a driver in City of Ferris causes a crash after 12 hours of driving without a break, the trucking company can be held liable for negligent scheduling.

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phone Use, Dispatch Communications)

Truck drivers are banned from using hand-held phones while driving (49 CFR § 392.82). Yet, many drivers still text, call, or use GPS while behind the wheel.

  • Texting while driving is illegal for truck drivers
  • Hand-held phone use is prohibited
  • Dispatch communications can distract drivers

Evidence We Collect:

  • Cell phone records (to prove distraction)
  • ELD data (showing speed and braking patterns)
  • Dashcam footage (if available)

3. Improper Maintenance & Brake Failures

Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures. Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents, and tire blowouts lead to 11,000 crashes per year.

  • Brake adjustment violations (49 CFR § 393.48)
  • Tire tread depth violations (49 CFR § 393.75)
  • Failed pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

Case Example: If a City of Ferris trucking company fails to replace worn brake pads and a crash occurs, we can prove negligent maintenance.

4. Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

Cargo securement violations cause rollover accidents, jackknifes, and road debris hazards. Federal law requires:

  • Proper tiedowns (must withstand 0.8g deceleration)
  • Balanced weight distribution (to prevent rollovers)
  • Securement for specific cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery)

Violation Example: If a truck in Ellis County loses a load because of inadequate tiedowns, the loading company and trucking company can both be liable.

5. Wide Turns & Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots (called “No-Zones”) where drivers can’t see other vehicles. Many accidents happen when:

  • Trucks swing wide before right turns, trapping cars in the “squeeze play”
  • Drivers change lanes without checking mirrors
  • Vehicles linger in the right-side blind spot (the most dangerous area)

Safety Tip for City of Ferris Drivers:

  • Never drive alongside a truck’s right side (the largest blind spot)
  • Avoid passing trucks on the right (especially at intersections)
  • Give trucks extra space when merging or stopping

6. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)

Underride crashes occur when a car slides under a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

  • Rear underride guards are required (49 CFR § 393.86)
  • Side underride guards are not federally required (but some states mandate them)

Case Example: If a City of Ferris truck lacks a proper underride guard and a car crashes into its rear, the trucking company and manufacturer can be held liable.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a City of Ferris Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be responsible in a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation:

Liable Party Possible Negligence
Truck Driver Speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment
Trucking Company Negligent hiring, poor training, HOS violations
Cargo Owner/Shipper Overloading, improper packaging, hazmat violations
Loading Company Unsecured cargo, weight distribution errors
Truck Manufacturer Defective brakes, tires, or safety systems
Parts Manufacturer Faulty components (e.g., brake failure)
Maintenance Company Negligent repairs, missed inspections
Freight Broker Hiring unsafe carriers
Government Entity Poor road design, lack of signage

Example: If a City of Ferris truck crashes because of defective brakes, we may sue:
✅ The driver (for failing to inspect brakes)
✅ The trucking company (for negligent maintenance)
✅ The brake manufacturer (for product liability)

Catastrophic Injuries from City of Ferris Trucking Accidents

Because of the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers, trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Injury Type Impact on Your Life Potential Compensation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Memory loss, personality changes, permanent disability $1.5M–$10M+
Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) Quadriplegia or paraplegia, lifelong care needs $4.7M–$25M+
Amputation Loss of limb, prosthetics, inability to work $1.9M–$8.6M+
Severe Burns Multiple surgeries, scarring, chronic pain $500K–$5M+
Internal Organ Damage Liver/spleen rupture, internal bleeding $250K–$2M+
Wrongful Death Loss of income, funeral costs, emotional suffering $1.9M–$10M+

Medical Costs Alone Can Exceed $1 Million—and that doesn’t include lost wages, pain and suffering, or future care needs. Trucking companies have millions in insurance, so you deserve full compensation.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in City of Ferris, Texas

1. Call 911 & Seek Medical Attention

  • Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks pain—some injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately.
  • City of Ferris hospitals (like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie) can document your injuries for your case.

2. Document the Scene (If Possible)

  • Take photos/videos of:
    • Truck damage (license plate, DOT number, company name)
    • Your vehicle’s damage
    • Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals
    • Your injuries
  • Get witness contact info (names, phone numbers)

3. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

  • Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.
  • Anything you say can be used against you.
  • Refer them to your attorney.

4. Call Attorney911 Immediately (1-888-ATTY-911)

  • Black box data (ECM/ELD) can be overwritten in 30 days.
  • Dashcam footage may be deleted within days.
  • We send a spoliation letter to preserve all evidence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Ferris Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of 18-wheeler crashes in Texas and beyond.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He knows every tactic they use to deny claims—and how to counter them.

3. Federal Court Experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)

Trucking cases often involve interstate commerce, meaning they can be filed in federal court. We have the experience and resources to handle complex litigation.

4. We’ve Litigated Against Major Trucking Companies

We’ve taken on:
Walmart trucking operations
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx & UPS trucks
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Major oilfield trucking companies

5. No Fee Unless We Win

  • Free consultation (we’ll evaluate your case at no cost)
  • No upfront fees (we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win)
  • We advance all case costs (medical records, experts, investigations)

6. Hablamos Español (Fluent Spanish Services)

Many City of Ferris truck drivers are Spanish-speaking, and we ensure no language barriers affect your case. Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff (including Zulema) provide direct representation in Spanish.

What’s Your City of Ferris Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Every case is different, but trucking accident settlements and verdicts in Texas often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on:

Severity of injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation = higher value)
Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost wages & earning capacity (if you can’t work)
Pain & suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
Degree of negligence (HOS violations, falsified logs = higher punitive damages)
Available insurance coverage ($750K–$5M+ in trucking cases)

Recent Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements in Texas

Case Result Details
Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) $730 Million Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
Werner Settlement (2022) $150 Million Two children killed on I-30
Underride Crash (2024) $462 Million Two men decapitated in Missouri (similar cases in Texas)
Rollover Crash (2024) $160 Million Quadriplegic injury from Daimler truck

These cases show what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable.

City of Ferris Trucking Corridors & Dangerous Areas

City of Ferris is located in Ellis County, Texas, near major trucking routes including:

  • I-45 (Dallas to Houston corridor)
  • I-35E (NAFTA corridor to Mexico)
  • US Highway 77 (major north-south route)
  • FM 66 & FM 983 (local trucking routes)

High-Risk Areas for Trucking Accidents in Ellis County:

  • I-45 near Ferris (high-speed crashes, rear-end collisions)
  • US 77 & I-35E interchange (congestion, wide-turn accidents)
  • FM 66 near industrial zones (cargo spills, brake failures)
  • Truck stops & weigh stations (fatigued drivers, improper inspections)

Texas Trucking Accident Laws You Need to Know

1. Statute of Limitations (2 Years)

  • You have 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Texas.
  • Wrongful death claims also have a 2-year deadline.
  • Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

2. Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

  • Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system.
  • If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages.
  • If you’re 51% or more at fault, you get nothing.
  • Example: If a jury finds you 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%.

3. No Cap on Pain & Suffering (Unlike Some States)

  • Texas does not cap non-economic damages (pain & suffering) in trucking cases.
  • This means juries can award millions for catastrophic injuries.

4. Punitive Damages (For Gross Negligence)

  • If the trucking company acted with gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations), you may be entitled to punitive damages.
  • Texas caps punitive damages at 2x economic damages + $750K non-economic (or $200K, whichever is greater).

What to Expect in Your City of Ferris Trucking Accident Case

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation (Call 1-888-ATTY-911)

  • We’ll review your case at no cost.
  • We’ll explain your legal options and potential compensation.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

  • Send spoliation letter to trucking company (within 24–48 hours).
  • Demand black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records.
  • Photograph the truck & accident scene (if possible).

Step 3: Investigation & Expert Analysis

  • Accident reconstruction experts determine how the crash happened.
  • Medical experts document your injuries and future care needs.
  • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity.

Step 4: Negotiation with Insurance Companies

  • We reject lowball offers and fight for maximum compensation.
  • If they refuse a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit.

Step 5: Litigation & Trial (If Necessary)

  • Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial.
  • We have the resources and experience to take your case to court.

Frequently Asked Questions About City of Ferris Trucking Accidents

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

2 years from the accident date (Texas statute of limitations).
Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and witnesses forget.

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

Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation under Texas comparative negligence laws. We gather ECM data, ELD logs, and witness statements to prove what really happened.

3. How much is my City of Ferris trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on:

  • Severity of injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation = higher value)
  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages & earning capacity
  • Pain & suffering
  • Degree of negligence (HOS violations, falsified logs = higher punitive damages)

Example Settlements:

  • $3.8M for a leg amputation from a trucking accident
  • $2.5M for a truck crash recovery
  • $1.5M+ for traumatic brain injuries

4. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer—it’s almost always a lowball amount.
Consult an attorney first—we’ve seen insurance companies offer $10K for cases worth $1M+.

5. Do I need a lawyer for a trucking accident in City of Ferris?

Yes. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need someone fighting for you.

6. How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
No hidden fees. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

7. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, we can still pursue:

  • Their insurance policy (which must pay even after bankruptcy)
  • Other liable parties (cargo loaders, manufacturers, brokers)

8. Can I sue if I was a passenger in a trucking accident?

Yes. If you were injured as a passenger, you can sue:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The other driver (if applicable)

9. What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for my injuries?

✅ We can help you get medical treatment now through:

  • Letters of Protection (LOP) (doctors get paid from your settlement)
  • Lien-based medical care (hospitals wait for payment)

10. How long does a trucking accident case take in City of Ferris?

  • Simple cases: 6–12 months
  • Complex cases (multiple parties, severe injuries): 1–3 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

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

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win—Fight Back Today

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests—not yours. Evidence disappears fast, and insurance adjusters pressure you to settle for less.

You have one chance to get this right.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

  • Free consultation (no obligation)
  • No fee unless we win (contingency fee)
  • 24/7 availability (we answer trucking accident calls immediately)
  • Hablamos Español (Lupe Peña y nuestro equipo bilingüe)

Or Fill Out Our Online Form for a Free Case Review

📞 Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: https://attorney911.com

We fight for justice. We fight for you. 🚛💥

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