18-Wheeler Accidents in Goldthwaite, Texas: What You Need to Know

Every year, thousands of families across Texas have their lives shattered by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Goldthwaite or anywhere in Mills County, you need to understand your rights and take immediate action. The trucking companies have teams of lawyers and rapid-response investigators working to protect their interests – you deserve the same level of representation.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims throughout Central Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Goldthwaite’s highways, the trucking corridors that serve our community, and exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Goldthwaite Trucking Accidents Are Different

Goldthwaite sits at a critical juncture in Central Texas, where major freight routes intersect. The trucking corridors serving our community include:

• US Highway 84 – The primary east-west route through Goldthwaite, connecting to I-35 at Waco and running through the heart of our downtown area
• US Highway 183 – A major north-south corridor that brings heavy truck traffic through Mills County, often carrying agricultural products and oilfield equipment
• State Highway 16 – Connects Goldthwaite to Brownwood and beyond, serving as an important regional freight route
• Farm-to-Market Roads – FM 572, FM 574, and others that see significant truck traffic serving our local agricultural and ranching industries

These routes carry everything from cattle and cotton to oilfield equipment and consumer goods. The mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and long-haul trucks creates unique hazards on Goldthwaite’s roads.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Goldthwaite

Jackknife Accidents on US 84

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on US 84, especially near the curves and intersections where trucks must slow down for local traffic. When a truck driver brakes suddenly or takes a curve too fast, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents often occur:

• At the US 84/US 183 intersection in downtown Goldthwaite
• Near the US 84/FM 572 junction
• On the curves approaching Goldthwaite from both east and west
• During sudden weather changes common in Mills County

The physics of jackknife accidents make them especially dangerous. When a 53-foot trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, it creates an impenetrable barrier across the highway. Vehicles approaching from either direction have no time to react, leading to devastating multi-vehicle collisions.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

Goldthwaite’s rural location means many of our highways have long, straight stretches that encourage speeding. When truck drivers take curves too fast – especially on FM roads with their tighter turns – rollovers become a real risk. These accidents are particularly common:

• On FM 572 where it curves near the Colorado River
• At the US 183/FM 574 intersection
• On the approaches to the US 84 overpass
• When trucks attempt to navigate the older, narrower bridges in rural Mills County

Rollover accidents often result in cargo spills, which can create additional hazards for other motorists. The high center of gravity on fully loaded 18-wheelers makes them particularly susceptible to rollovers when drivers make sudden maneuvers.

Rear-End Collisions at Stoplights

Goldthwaite’s downtown area, particularly around the US 84/US 183 intersection, sees frequent rear-end collisions. These occur when:

• Trucks follow too closely behind passenger vehicles
• Drivers are distracted by dispatch communications
• Brake failures occur due to poor maintenance
• Drivers are fatigued from long hauls

The massive weight disparity means these collisions are never minor. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car. Even at low speeds, the impact can cause catastrophic injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Goldthwaite

The historic downtown area with its narrow streets and angled parking creates challenges for large trucks making turns. Wide turn accidents occur when:

• Trucks swing wide to make right turns at downtown intersections
• Drivers fail to properly signal their intentions
• Local drivers attempt to squeeze past turning trucks
• Trucks make left turns from the right lane

These accidents often involve pedestrians and cyclists who may be in the truck’s blind spots. The tight quarters of downtown Goldthwaite make wide turn accidents particularly dangerous.

Fatigue-Related Crashes on Long Hauls

Goldthwaite sits along major freight corridors that connect West Texas oil fields with distribution centers in Central and East Texas. Many drivers passing through are in the middle of long hauls between major cities. Fatigue-related crashes are common when:

• Drivers violate federal hours-of-service regulations
• Companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
• Drivers take stimulants to stay awake
• Sleep apnea goes undiagnosed and untreated

The long, straight stretches of US 84 and US 183 can lull fatigued drivers into a dangerous state of highway hypnosis, where they lose focus and drift out of their lanes.

The Devastating Injuries from Goldthwaite Trucking Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results are often tragic.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs are among the most common and devastating injuries we see in Goldthwaite trucking accidents. The extreme forces involved can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Contusions (brain bruising)
• Diffuse axonal injuries (shearing of brain fibers)
• Penetrating injuries (from debris or skull fractures)

Many TBI victims in Goldthwaite require specialized care at facilities like Scott & White Medical Center in Temple or the Level I Trauma Center at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. The lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is particularly vulnerable in trucking accidents. Injuries can result in:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Partial loss of function
• Complete injuries – Total loss of function below the injury level

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation at specialized facilities. Many Goldthwaite residents with these injuries must travel to Austin or Dallas for treatment. The lifetime costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of limbs that cannot be saved. These injuries require:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications

Many amputation victims in Goldthwaite struggle to return to their previous occupations, especially those in physically demanding jobs like ranching or oilfield work.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause severe burns in trucking accidents. Burn injuries often require:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Treatment at specialized burn centers
• Long-term scar management
• Psychological counseling for trauma and disfigurement

The nearest burn center to Goldthwaite is the Parkland Memorial Hospital Burn Center in Dallas, requiring victims to travel significant distances for specialized care.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, the emotional and financial toll on families is immeasurable. Wrongful death claims in Goldthwaite may include compensation for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death

Why You Need a Goldthwaite Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast

In Goldthwaite trucking accident cases, critical evidence disappears quickly. The trucking company’s rapid-response team starts protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act immediately, you risk losing:

• Black box data – Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
• ELD records – Only required to be kept for 6 months
• Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence – Vehicles may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
• Witness memories – Fade significantly within weeks

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

The Trucking Company Has Lawyers – You Need One Too

The moment an accident occurs, the trucking company’s insurance adjusters and lawyers go to work to minimize their liability. They know:

• How to manipulate accident victims into accepting lowball settlements
• Which questions to ask to get damaging statements
• How to delay claims to pressure victims into accepting less
• How to shift blame onto the victim

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained. We use that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for Goldthwaite families.

Texas Law Favors Victims – But You Must Act Fast

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting even a few months can seriously harm your case:

• Evidence becomes harder to obtain
• Witness memories fade
• The trucking company’s investigation concludes
• Your medical condition may deteriorate

Additionally, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Attorney911 Builds Your Goldthwaite Trucking Accident Case

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we take aggressive action to preserve evidence:

1. Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
2. Demand immediate download of all ECM/black box data
3. Subpoena ELD records to prove hours-of-service violations
4. Obtain cell phone records to prove distracted driving
5. Preserve the physical truck and trailer before repairs or disposal
6. Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage
7. Photograph all damage before vehicles are moved or repaired
8. Interview witnesses before memories fade

Comprehensive Investigation

Our Goldthwaite trucking accident investigations include:

Driver Analysis:

• Complete Driver Qualification File review
• Driving record and previous employer verification
• Medical certification and drug test history
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history

Vehicle Analysis:

• ECM/black box data analysis
• Brake system inspection
• Tire condition and maintenance records
• Lighting and visibility analysis
• Cargo securement documentation
• Maintenance and repair history

Company Analysis:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies
• Previous accident and violation history
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

Expert Retention

We work with top experts to build your case:

• Accident reconstruction specialists – Determine exactly how the crash occurred
• 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

The Most Common FMCSA Violations in Goldthwaite Trucking Accidents

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to keep our highways safe. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they put everyone at risk. These are the most common violations we find in Goldthwaite trucking accident cases:

Hours of Service Violations

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Common violations include:

• Driving beyond 11-hour limit – Drivers may only drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Exceeding 14-hour on-duty window – Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Missing 30-minute breaks – Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• Violating 60/70-hour weekly limits – 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• False log entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records

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

Driver Qualification Violations

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) 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. We often find:

• Drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs
• Drivers with multiple previous accidents
• Drivers with untreated medical conditions
• Drivers with failed drug tests

Vehicle Maintenance Violations

FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. Common maintenance violations include:

• Brake system deficiencies – Worn brakes, improper adjustment
• Tire violations – Underinflated tires, worn tread, mismatched duals
• Lighting violations – Non-functioning lights or reflectors
• Steering system defects – Worn components, loose parts
• Cargo securement failures – Inadequate tiedowns, improper loading

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

Cargo Securement Violations

FMCSA has detailed cargo securement requirements for different types of loads. Common violations include:

• Inadequate number of tiedowns
• Tiedowns with insufficient working load limits
• Improper load distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Not re-inspecting cargo during trip

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Goldthwaite Trucking Accident

18-wheeler accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents because multiple parties can be responsible for your injuries. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets (highest insurance) and the most responsibility for safety.

Vicarious Liability:
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring – Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training – Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent Supervision – Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance – Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling – Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

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 carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

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

Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

The company 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)

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

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

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

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

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

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

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

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

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

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Goldthwaite

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Goldthwaite, take these immediate steps:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
3. Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene (skid marks, debris, road conditions)
   • Your injuries
   • Street signs and traffic signals
   • Weather conditions
4. Get the trucking company information – Name, DOT number, insurance details
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company without legal representation
7. Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Goldthwaite Families Choose Attorney911

Local Knowledge, National Results

We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Goldthwaite attorneys. We understand:

• The unique challenges of US 84, US 183, and our local FM roads
• The agricultural and oilfield trucking that dominates our local freight
• The courts and judges that serve Mills County
• The local trauma centers where accident victims are treated
• The economic impact of trucking accidents on Goldthwaite families

Proven Track Record

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement

We’ve taken on major trucking companies like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS – and won.

Insider Advantage

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He spent years on the other side, learning:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle cases
• How they deny claims
• How their claims software works

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Goldthwaite families.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call Attorney911, you’ll speak with a real person who can take immediate action to protect your case.

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

Goldthwaite Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, these examples demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$730 Million Verdict – Texas Trucking Case

In 2021, a Texas jury awarded $730 million to the family of a woman killed by an oversize load. The case involved a Navy propeller that wasn’t properly secured, causing it to fall from a trailer and crush the victim’s vehicle. The verdict included $480 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages.

$150 Million Settlement – Texas Trucking Case

In 2022, Werner Enterprises settled for $150 million after two children were killed on I-30. This remains the largest 18-wheeler settlement in U.S. history.

$462 Million Verdict – Missouri Underride Case

In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million to the families of two men who were decapitated in an underride crash. The case focused on the truck manufacturer’s liability for the design of the trailer.

$160 Million Verdict – Alabama Rollover Case

In 2024, an Alabama jury awarded $160 million to a driver who became quadriplegic after a rollover crash. The verdict included $75 million in compensatory damages and $75 million in punitive damages against Daimler Trucks North America.

What Your Goldthwaite Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• 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 limits than typical auto policies:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages

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)

The Attorney911 Difference: How We Fight for Goldthwaite Families

Immediate Action

We don’t wait. Within hours of being retained, we:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Obtain police crash reports
• Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Aggressive Investigation

Our investigations leave no stone unturned:

• 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

Expert Analysis

We work with the best experts to build your case:

• Accident reconstruction specialists create 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
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Litigation Strategy

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial:

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength

Common Questions About Goldthwaite Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Goldthwaite, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, 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

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. Goldthwaite hospitals like Hendrick Medical Center 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 Goldthwaite?

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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

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

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 as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. 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 an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

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 airplane black boxes but for trucks. 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.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• 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.

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

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 Goldthwaite?

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 Goldthwaite?

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.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Goldthwaite, Mills County, or anywhere in Central Texas, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Goldthwaite trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Goldthwaite. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911. Free consultation. 24/7 availability.

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