The Ultimate Guide to 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lone Star, Texas
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Lone Star, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The aftermath of a commercial truck collision is overwhelming – medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional trauma. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Northeast Texas for over 25 years, and we’re here to help Lone Star families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why Lone Star 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Lone Star sits at the crossroads of major Texas transportation routes, making our community particularly vulnerable to commercial truck accidents. The trucking corridors serving Lone Star – including US Highway 259, State Highway 11, and nearby Interstate 30 – carry heavy freight traffic from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest. These roads connect major distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural operations, creating a perfect storm of commercial truck traffic and local commuters.
Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes in Lone Star often involve:
- Multiple liable parties – The truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider, and others may all share responsibility
- Federal trucking regulations – Commercial carriers must follow strict FMCSA rules that don’t apply to passenger vehicles
- Catastrophic injuries – The size and weight disparity means truck accidents frequently cause permanent disabilities or wrongful death
- Complex insurance policies – Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers
- Evidence preservation challenges – Critical data can disappear quickly if not preserved immediately
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lone Star
Our experience handling trucking cases throughout Morris County and Northeast Texas has revealed several recurring causes of commercial vehicle accidents in the Lone Star area:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers serving the Lone Star area often face grueling schedules. Many work for regional carriers based in nearby cities like Texarkana, Longview, or Tyler, making long hauls to distribution centers in Dallas, Shreveport, or Little Rock. Federal regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, but we frequently find violations in Lone Star trucking cases.
FMCSA Violation Spotlight:
49 CFR § 395.3 – Maximum driving time for property-carrying drivers
49 CFR § 395.8 – Electronic logging device requirements
Improper Cargo Loading and Securement
Lone Star’s position in the agricultural heart of Texas means many trucks carry farm equipment, livestock, or bulk commodities. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, causing rollovers or cargo spills that endanger other motorists.
Cargo Securement Requirements:
49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability
Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance
The hilly terrain around Lone Star puts additional strain on truck braking systems. We’ve seen numerous cases where poorly maintained brakes failed on downgrades, leading to catastrophic collisions.
Brake System Regulations:
49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements for commercial vehicles
Distracted and Impaired Driving
With the proliferation of smartphones and onboard dispatch systems, distracted driving has become a major concern on Lone Star’s highways. We’ve also handled cases involving drivers impaired by prescription medications or illegal substances.
Distraction and Impairment Rules:
49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition on texting while driving
49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol prohibition
Speeding and Following Too Closely
The mix of local traffic and commercial vehicles on Lone Star’s roads creates dangerous situations when truck drivers fail to adjust their speed or maintain safe following distances.
Safe Driving Regulations:
49 CFR § 392.11 – Following too closely
49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Lone Star
Our firm has extensive experience with all types of commercial truck accidents occurring on Lone Star’s roads:
Jackknife Accidents
These terrifying crashes occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknife accidents are particularly common on US 259 during wet conditions or when drivers brake suddenly.
Underride Collisions
One of the deadliest types of truck accidents, underride collisions happen when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.
Rollover Accidents
The rolling hills and curves around Lone Star create conditions where top-heavy trucks can easily roll over, especially when carrying unbalanced loads or traveling at excessive speeds.
Rear-End Collisions
With trucks requiring up to 525 feet to stop at highway speeds, rear-end collisions are frequent on Lone Star’s roads, particularly during sudden traffic slowdowns.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks making wide right turns often swing left first, creating dangerous situations where other vehicles can become trapped between the truck and the curb.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots – called “No-Zones” – where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Accidents frequently occur when trucks change lanes into occupied space.
Tire Blowouts
The Texas heat and heavy loads carried by trucks serving Lone Star’s agricultural and industrial sectors make tire blowouts a common hazard.
Brake Failures
The combination of hilly terrain and poorly maintained braking systems leads to numerous brake failure accidents in the Lone Star area.
Cargo Spills
Improperly secured loads can fall from trucks, creating road hazards that cause secondary accidents. We’ve handled cases involving everything from fallen lumber to spilled agricultural products.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Lone Star Truck Accident?
Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents in Lone Star often involve multiple liable parties:
The Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable for negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours of service regulations.
The Trucking Company
Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can also be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to properly vet drivers)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
Cargo Owners and Shippers
The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable if they provided improper loading instructions or required unsafe delivery schedules.
Loading Companies
Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks can be liable for improper securement or unbalanced loads.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
If a defect in the truck or its components (brakes, tires, steering systems) caused the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
Maintenance Providers
Companies that service and maintain commercial vehicles can be held responsible for negligent repairs or failure to identify safety issues.
Freight Brokers
Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection.
Government Entities
In some cases, local or state government agencies may share liability for dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident.
The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident in Lone Star, time is of the essence. Critical evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests – not yours.
Why You Must Act Immediately
- Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days
- ELD records may be retained for only 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites within 30 days
- Physical evidence like the truck itself may be repaired or sold
- Witness memories fade significantly within weeks
What We Do Within 48 Hours
When you call Attorney911 after a Lone Star truck accident, we spring into action immediately:
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Send Spoliation Letters – We send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.
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Demand Electronic Data – We demand immediate download of:
- ECM/Black Box data
- ELD records
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam footage
- Dispatch communications
-
Secure Physical Evidence – We take steps to preserve:
- The truck and trailer
- Failed components
- Cargo and securement devices
- Tire remnants (if blowout involved)
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Conduct Scene Investigation – Our team visits the accident scene to:
- Photograph road conditions
- Document skid marks
- Measure sight distances
- Identify potential road hazards
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Interview Witnesses – We locate and interview witnesses while their memories are fresh.
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Obtain Police Reports – We secure the official accident report and any citations issued.
Common Injuries in Lone Star 18-Wheeler Accidents
The massive size and weight of commercial trucks – up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded – means accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “minor” TBIs can have lifelong consequences. We’ve represented Lone Star clients with:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Diffuse axonal injuries
- Penetrating brain injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a truck collision can damage the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Paraplegia (paralysis below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
- Incomplete injuries (partial loss of function)
Amputations
Crushing injuries or severe burns may require surgical amputation of:
- Arms
- Legs
- Fingers
- Toes
Severe Burns
Truck accidents often involve fires or chemical spills, causing:
- First-degree burns (superficial)
- Second-degree burns (partial thickness)
- Third-degree burns (full thickness)
- Fourth-degree burns (damage to muscle and bone)
Internal Organ Damage
The force of a truck collision can cause:
- Liver lacerations
- Spleen damage
- Kidney injuries
- Lung contusions
- Internal bleeding
Wrongful Death
When a loved one is killed in a Lone Star truck accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
What Your Lone Star Truck Accident Case Might Be Worth
The value of your case depends on many factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
While every case is unique, our experience handling trucking cases throughout Northeast Texas gives us insight into potential case values:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
Important Note: These figures represent ranges we’ve seen in Texas trucking cases. Your case may be worth more or less depending on the specific circumstances.
How We Build Your Lone Star Truck Accident Case
Our approach to trucking accident cases combines aggressive investigation with strategic litigation:
Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)
- Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
- Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
- Obtain police crash report
- Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
- Photograph all vehicles before they’re 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
- FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations
Phase 4: Litigation Strategy
- File lawsuit before Texas’ 2-year statute of limitations expires
- 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 – this creates leverage in negotiations
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lone Star Truck Accident Case
When you’re up against massive trucking companies with teams of lawyers, you need a firm with the experience and resources to fight back. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:
25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been handling commercial trucking cases since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major carriers like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including:
- $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases
Local Knowledge of Lone Star and Morris County
We understand the unique challenges of trucking cases in Northeast Texas:
- The specific trucking corridors serving Lone Star
- The local courts and judges
- The regional trucking industry
- The agricultural and industrial freight patterns
Bilingual Services
Many truck drivers and accident victims in the Lone Star area speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, ensuring clear communication throughout your case.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and you never receive a bill from us.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lone Star
If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck accident in Lone Star, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately
- Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
- Get Driver and Company Information – Record the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver’s CDL information
- Collect Witness Information – Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Do NOT Give Statements – Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster
- Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Lone Star Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your case will be stronger if we can investigate immediately.
What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
How much insurance do trucking companies carry?
Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil/large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
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.
How long will my case take?
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.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. We also advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:
- The trucking company’s insurance policy
- The cargo owner’s insurance
- The loading company’s insurance
- Product liability claims against manufacturers
- Personal assets of the driver or company owners
Lone Star Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen
Understanding the trucking routes serving Lone Star helps us build stronger cases for our clients:
US Highway 259
This major north-south route connects Lone Star to Interstate 30 and serves as a critical freight corridor. The stretch between Lone Star and Daingerfield is particularly dangerous due to:
- Heavy truck traffic
- Narrow lanes
- Limited shoulders
- Rolling hills that reduce visibility
State Highway 11
Running east-west through Lone Star, SH 11 connects to US 259 and serves local agricultural and industrial traffic. Accidents frequently occur at:
- The intersection with US 259
- Railroad crossings
- Areas with limited lighting
Interstate 30
While not directly in Lone Star, I-30 is a major freight corridor just north of Morris County. Many Lone Star residents commute on this highway, which carries:
- Heavy truck traffic from Dallas to Texarkana
- Agricultural products from Northeast Texas
- Manufactured goods bound for distribution centers
Local Roads and County Highways
Lone Star’s local roads see significant truck traffic from:
- Agricultural operations
- Timber harvesting
- Local manufacturing
- Oil and gas exploration
Recent Trucking Accidents in the Lone Star Area
While we can’t discuss specific cases we’re handling, recent years have seen several serious truck accidents in Morris County and surrounding areas:
- A fatal crash on US 259 involving a logging truck and passenger vehicle
- Multiple rollover accidents on SH 11 during wet conditions
- Several rear-end collisions on I-30 involving fatigued truck drivers
- A cargo spill accident on a local county road that caused secondary crashes
These incidents highlight the importance of experienced legal representation when trucking companies fail to follow safety regulations.
Texas Trucking Industry Facts
Understanding the Texas trucking industry helps us build stronger cases for Lone Star victims:
- Texas has more registered commercial trucks than any other state – over 260,000
- The trucking industry contributes over $40 billion annually to the Texas economy
- Texas has over 12,000 miles of interstate highways – more than any other state
- The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the nation, generating massive truck traffic
- Texas is home to several major trucking companies, including Swift Transportation and Werner Enterprises
How Insurance Companies Fight Truck Accident Claims
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, giving us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims:
Common Insurance Tactics
- Quick Lowball Settlement Offers – They offer fast settlements that are far less than your case is worth
- Denying or Minimizing Injuries – They claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
- Blaming the Victim – They try to shift fault to you to reduce your recovery
- Delaying the Claims Process – They hope you’ll get frustrated and accept a low offer
- Using Recorded Statements Against You – They ask leading questions to get you to say things that hurt your case
- “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense – They claim your injuries existed before the accident
- “Gap in Treatment” Attacks – They argue that gaps in your medical care mean you weren’t really injured
- Sending Surveillance Investigators – They follow you to catch you doing activities that contradict your injury claims
- Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners – They send you to doctors who will downplay your injuries
- Drowning You in Paperwork – They overwhelm you with requests to wear you down
How We Counter These Tactics
- We never let our clients give recorded statements without our presence
- We document all medical treatment thoroughly
- We gather objective evidence (ECM data, ELD records, expert testimony)
- We prepare for trial to create leverage in negotiations
- We use our insider knowledge to anticipate and counter their strategies
The Attorney911 Difference: What Our Lone Star Clients Say
We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients throughout Northeast Texas:
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lone Star, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com
We’re available 24/7 to help Lone Star families get the justice they deserve. Remember – we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Hablamos Español. Nuestro equipo incluye abogados y personal que hablan español con fluidez. Llame hoy para una consulta gratuita.
Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers push you around. You deserve an attorney who will fight for maximum compensation. Call Attorney911 – the firm insurers fear.
