Longview Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide
The impact of an 80,000-pound truck on a passenger car is catastrophic. In an instant, a standard commute on I-20 or a quick trip down Loop 281 in the City of Longview can turn into a life-altering disaster. When you are looking up at the massive grill of an 18-wheeler, the physics of the situation are not in your favor. A fully loaded semi-truck is 20 to 25 times heavier than your sedan or SUV. It carries enough kinetic energy to flatten a vehicle, yet trucking companies in the City of Longview and across East Texas regularly put fatigued, distracted, or inadequately trained drivers on our roads.
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have seen the aftermath of these collisions for over 25 years. Since 1998, our firm has stood as a shield for families devastated by corporate negligence. We are not just another law firm; we are a dedicated team of trucking litigation specialists with admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the federal reach required to take on interstate carriers. We understand that after a crash in the City of Longview, you aren’t just looking for a settlement—you are looking for a way to put your life back together.
If you have been hurt, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in the City of Longview, from tire marks on US-259 to the digital data inside a truck’s black box, begins to disappear the moment the tow trucks arrive. You need a team that moves as fast as the trucking company’s rapid-response investigators. We are available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to begin protecting your rights immediately.
Why Truck Accidents in the City of Longview Demand Specialized Representation
A truck accident is not just a “big car wreck.” It is a complex legal battle involving federal regulations, industrial standards, and multi-layered corporate structures. If you were hit by a commercial vehicle in the City of Longview, you are up against an industry that is insured for millions and prepared to fight for every penny.
Our team brings a unique “insider” advantage to your case. Associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working in insurance defense before joining us. He knows the playbook that trucking insurers use to minimize, delay, and deny claims in the City of Longview. He has seen how they coach adjusters to offer lowball settlements before the victim even knows the full extent of their injuries. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight against them. As client Donald Wilcox shared, “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.”
When we take on a case in the City of Longview, we prepare for the long haul. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we treat our clients like family, not just file numbers. As Chad Harris noted in his review of our firm, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The Crossroads of East Texas: Why the City of Longview Is a High-Risk Zone
The City of Longview sits at a critical junction for the American economy. With I-20 serving as a primary artery for cross-country freight, thousands of 18-wheelers pass through our community every single day. This highway traffic, combined with the heavy industrial presence of companies like Eastman Chemical and the constant movement of oilfield equipment in the Haynesville Shale region, makes the City of Longview one of the most dangerous areas for commercial vehicle collisions in East Texas.
Whether you were involved in a rear-end collision near the Eastman plant or a jackknife accident on a rain-slicked stretch of I-20, the cause is often the same: a trucking company that prioritized profits over safety. Federal law is clear about what is required of these carriers, but in the competitive world of logistics, corners are often cut. We are here to make sure they pay for those choices.
Immediate Action Required
The trucking company has likely already sent an investigator to the scene of your accident in the City of Longview. You need someone on your side just as quickly. Call us now at 888-ATTY-911 so we can send a spoliation letter today and preserve the evidence that will prove your case.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by a strict set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), codified in 49 CFR Parts 300-399. These rules exist to prevent the very accidents that occur daily in the City of Longview. When a driver or a company fails to follow these rules, they are not just being “careless”—they are breaking federal law.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue is a silent killer on the roads of the City of Longview. Federal law strictly limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel. Under Part 395.3, a property-carrying driver is limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
In the City of Longview, we often see violations where drivers heading toward the local distribution centers or passing through on I-20 “push through” their fatigue to meet tight delivery windows. When a driver has been awake for 18 or 20 hours, their reaction time is comparable to someone who is legally intoxicated. We meticulously analyze Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to catch companies that encourage or ignore these life-threatening violations.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
It is the responsibility of the motor carrier to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Under Part 391, companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File that includes the driver’s medical certificate, employment application, and annual driving record review. If a company hired a driver with a history of DWI or repeated safety violations to operate an 80,000-pound rig through the City of Longview, we hold them liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
A mechanical failure in the City of Longview—such as a brake failure or a tire blowout—is rarely a “fluke.” It is usually the result of a failure to comply with Part 396, which requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. We subpoena all maintenance logs and pre-trip inspection reports to determine if the truck that hit you was a rolling hazard that should have stayed off the road.
49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
From proper lighting to functional brakes and secure cargo, Part 393 details the physical requirements for a truck to be legally operational. On the busy intersections of Loop 281 in the City of Longview, a truck with poorly adjusted brakes or missing reflective tape is a disaster waiting to happen. We investigate every system on the vehicle to ensure the carrier was in total compliance with these safety standards.
Knowledge Is Power
Our deep understanding of 49 CFR regulations allows us to find negligence where other firms see an “accident.” If you have questions about how these federal rules apply to your crash in the City of Longview, learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in the City of Longview
Truck accidents happen in many ways, but the results in the City of Longview are almost always devastating. Understanding the mechanics of the crash is essential for building a strong liability case.
18-Wheeler Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of a tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing sideways and fold toward the cab. This often happens on the high-speed corridors of I-20 or US-259 when a driver brakes too suddenly on a wet or slick road. A jackknifed truck creates an impassable wall of steel, often triggering chain-reaction pileups that involve dozens of vehicles.
Rollover Crashes
Large trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a turn too fast or if their cargo shifts unexpectedly while navigating the curves of the City of Longview’s rural roads, the entire rig can tip. Rollovers are particularly deadly because they often result in the truck crushing smaller vehicles or spilling hazardous cargo across the roadway.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph on the highway outside the City of Longview needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When a distracted or fatigued driver fails to notice traffic slowing down, the resulting rear-end impact is equivalent to being hit by a freight train. At Attorney911, we frequently see these crashes result in traumatic brain injuries and permanent spinal damage.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrifying accident type, an underride happens when a passenger car slides underneath the trailer of a truck because the rear-impact guard (Mansfield bar) failed or the truck did not have side underride guards. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma for the occupants of the car. We fight to hold companies accountable for failing to maintain or install adequate safety guards.
Blind Spot “No-Zone” Accidents
Every truck has massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver changes lanes on Loop 281 without proper signaling or mirror checks, they can easily crush a vehicle in their “No-Zone.” Federal law requires drivers to be aware of these zones, and failure to do so is a clear sign of negligence.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
When a truck tire explodes at highway speed near the City of Longview, the driver frequently loses all control. These blowouts are often caused by using retreaded tires or failing to monitor tire pressure. Similarly, brake failure is a common cause of high-speed collisions. Because these systems are under massive stress, any lack of maintenance is a recipe for disaster. Watch our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc for more information.
Speak to a Fighter
“Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you,” says client Ernest Cano. If you were injured in any type of commercial vehicle accident in the City of Longview, don’t wait. Call (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation.
Oilfield Trucking Accidents in the City of Longview and the Haynesville Shale
The City of Longview serves as a major hub for the East Texas energy sector. While the oil and gas industry brings jobs to our region, it also brings a specific kind of danger to our roads: the oilfield truck. From frac sand haulers and water tankers to crude oil transport and crew vans, these vehicles are ubiquitous in Gregg County.
The Unique Hazards of Oilfield Trucking
Oilfield trucks often operate on narrow, two-lane FM roads that were never designed for 80,000-pound loads. Furthermore, drivers in the Haynesville Shale frequently work brutal 12-to-14-hour shifts for weeks on end. This creates a lethal combination of extreme fatigue and heavy machinery.
We have extensive experience litigating against major energy companies and their trucking contractors. We understand the dual-jurisdiction nature of these cases, where both FMCSA trucking laws and OSHA workplace safety regulations (29 CFR 1910) may apply. If an oil company hired a “fly-by-night” trucking contractor with a poor safety record to move water or sand through the City of Longview, we go after both entities for their shared negligence.
Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents
As the City of Longview grows, so does the presence of corporate delivery fleets. We successfully litigate cases against some of the biggest names in the world, including:
- Walmart: With major distribution centers in the region, Walmart 18-wheelers are a constant presence. Walmart is a self-insured giant that handles its own claims with a focus on its bottom line, not your recovery.
- Amazon: Amazon uses a complex web of “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) to shield itself from liability. They will tell you the driver wasn’t their employee. We know how to pierce that shield by proving the level of control Amazon exercises over every route and every delivery.
- FedEx and UPS: Whether it’s a “package car” on a residential street in the City of Longview or a tractor-trailer on the highway, these carriers are under extreme time pressure to meet quotas.
We’ve Gone Toe-to-Toe With the Giants
We have litigated against some of the largest corporations on the planet, including BP during the Texas City refinery disaster litigation. Their army of lawyers does not intimidate us. If a corporate truck hit you in the City of Longview, you need a firm with proven results. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in the City of Longview?
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a truck accident in the City of Longview is assuming only the driver is at fault. In reality, there is often a long chain of liability that leads back to the corporation that put the truck on the road. We investigate every link in that chain to maximize your compensation.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the employer is liable for the driver’s actions.
- The Cargo Shipper or Loader: If improperly secured or overloaded cargo caused a shift or a spill, the company that loaded the truck is responsible.
- The Maintenance Provider: If a third-party mechanic failed to properly repair the brakes or steering, they share in the liability.
- The Manufacturer: If a defective part (like a tire or a safety guard) failed, we pursue a product liability claim.
- The Freight Broker: Brokers who hire unsafe trucking companies to save money can be held liable for negligent selection.
- The Corporate Parent: If a branded truck (like Amazon or Coca-Cola) caused the crash, we look to the parent company’s multi-million dollar insurance policies.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or improper signage in the City of Longview contributed to the crash, we can pursue a claim against the responsible government agency.
By identifying every liable party, we can “stack” multiple insurance policies. This is often the only way to ensure that a victim of a catastrophic injury in the City of Longview receives the millions required for their lifetime care.
48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The “Legal Emergency” Protocol
We call ourselves “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” because we recognize that the first 48 hours after a truck accident are the most critical. While you are focusing on your health at Good Shepherd Medical Center or another local hospital, the trucking company is already working to erase the evidence of their negligence.
Why You Must Move Fast
In the City of Longview, important evidence can disappear in the blink of an eye:
- Black Box (ECM) Data: This device records the truck’s speed and braking in the seconds before impact. In many trucks, this data is overwritten after a few weeks or even days of continued driving.
- ELD Logs: Federal law only requires carriers to keep these for six months, but they often “lose” them much sooner.
- Surveillance Video: Many businesses along Loop 281 or US-80 in the City of Longview have cameras that capture the roadway. These systems usually overwrite footage every 7 to 30 days.
- The Truck Itself: Companies will often repair the truck and put it back on the road before it can be inspected by an independent expert.
When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send a comprehensive spoliation letter to the trucking company and their insurer. This letter legally mandates that they preserve all evidence or face severe sanctions in court. We won’t let them hide the truth about what happened to you.
Don’t Let the Evidence Disappear
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years,” says client Angel Walle. Speed and competence are our hallmarks. If you’ve had an accident in the City of Longview, watch our video “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM and then call us at 888-ATTY-911.
Understanding Your Injuries and the True Value of Your Case
When an 80,000-pound truck hits you, the injuries are almost always permanent. We specialize in representing victims who have suffered life-altering trauma in the City of Longview.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can occur even without a direct blow to the head, simply from the violent shaking of a high-speed impact. TBIs change who you are—your memory, your mood, and your ability to work. We have secured settlements for TBI victims ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million. Learn more in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a truck accident can crush vertebrae or sever the spinal cord entirely. Whether you are facing paraplegia or quadriplegia, the lifetime cost of care is staggering. We work with life-care planners to ensure your settlement covers every ramp, every surgery, and every hour of home care you will ever need. Settlements in these cases can reach $25 million or more.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb is both a physical and psychological trauma. We have recovered millions for amputation victims—including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a leg—ensuring they have access to the best prosthetic technology and rehabilitation available.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident in the City of Longview, no amount of money can bring them back. However, a wrongful death claim allows your family to seek justice and secure the financial future your loved one would have provided. In Texas, you have two years from the date of death to file a claim. We handle these cases with the compassion and aggression they deserve.
Hablamos Español
En Attorney911, entendemos que muchos residentes del City of Longview prefieren hablar en su propio idioma. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español fluido. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Compensation: What Can You Recover in the City of Longview?
Under Texas law, you are entitled to “be made whole.” In a trucking case, this involves three types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These are your calculable financial losses. They include all past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and physical property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: This covers the “human” cost of the accident. It includes physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Watch our guide: “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, we can prove the trucking company’s conduct was so reckless—such as knowingly putting a drugged driver on the road—that the jury chooses to punish the company with additional damages. This is rare, but it is a powerful tool we use to maximize your recovery.
Dealing With the Insurance Company
The moment a claim is filed in the City of Longview, the insurance company starts working to minimize your payout. They might offer a “quick settlement” that looks like a lot of money now but won’t even cover your second surgery next year. Our former insurance defense background allows us to see through these tactics. Our advice is simple: Never talk to an insurance adjuster without your lawyer present. Watch our video: “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in the City of Longview
How long do I have to file a claim in the City of Longview?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years. However, you should never wait. If you wait even a month, critical evidence like truck maintenance records or black box data could be legally destroyed by the carrier.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (the 51% bar). You can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your final recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault, you still receive 80% of your damages.
Why does the truck’s insurance minimum matter?
While a standard car in the City of Longview might only carry $30,000 in insurance, an 18-wheeler is required by federal law to carry at least $750,000—and if they are hauling hazardous materials like crude oil or chemicals from local refineries, that minimum jumps to $5 million. This means that even catastrophic injuries can often be fully compensated.
Can I sue the company whose logo was on the truck?
Yes. Whether it was a Walmart truck on I-20 or an Amazon delivery van on a residential street in the City of Longview, the company that benefits from the delivery can often be held liable under “ostensible agency” or “negligent hiring” theories, even if they claim the driver was an independent contractor.
How much does a truck accident lawyer in the City of Longview cost?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we take on all the financial risk. We pay for the experts, the investigators, and the filing fees. You pay us nothing unless we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a dime.
What if the truck was from an oilfield company in the Haynesville Shale?
Oilfield trucking cases are a specialty of our firm. These cases often involve special rules regarding “lease roads” and “company man” supervision. We understand how to navigate the complex relationship between oilfield operators and their trucking subcontractors to hold the right parties accountable.
How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which syncs directly with the truck’s engine. We also look at cell phone records and toll tag data. If a driver claims they slept in a hotel but their GPS shows they were driving across East Texas, we’ll find the truth.
Does your firm handle accidents involving rental trucks like U-Haul?
Yes. Rental truck accidents are uniquely dangerous because they put massive vehicles in the hands of untrained drivers. While the rental company is often protected from vicarious liability by the Graves Amendment, we can still hold them liable for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment if they rented a truck to an obviously incompetent or impaired driver.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Almost never. First offers are designed to “clip” your rights for a fraction of what your case is truly worth. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We make sure you aren’t leaving money on the table that you will need for your future medical care.
Will I have to go to court in Gregg County?
Most trucking cases settle before reaching a courtroom, but the reason they settle is that the insurance company knows we are prepared for trial. Ralph Manginello is a seasoned trial attorney who prepares every case as if it’s going to a jury. This aggressive stance is what forces insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
Your Fight for Justice in the City of Longview Starts Here
You didn’t ask to have your life upended by an 80,000-pound truck. You were just driving through the City of Longview, going to work or heading home to your family. Now, you are facing mounting bills, physical pain, and an uncertain future. The trucking company and their insurance giants want you to feel small and powerless.
Don’t let them win.
For over 25 years, Attorney911 has been the firm through which ordinary people find extraordinary justice. We have the federal experience, the insider knowledge of insurance tactics, and the “family-first” dedication required to take on the world’s largest corporations—and win. As Kiimarii Yup told us after her case resolved, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
We serve the City of Longview and the surrounding East Texas communities with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we are ready to travel to you. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and answer our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The clock is ticking on your evidence and your rights in the City of Longview. Take the first step toward reclaiming your future.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis.
You are not just a client. You are family.
Powerful & Proven. Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
The Attorney911 Promise to the City of Longview
When you call (888) 288-9911, you aren’t just getting an answering service. You are getting an immediate response from a team that understands the weight of your situation. We know the roads you drive—from the high-speed traffic on I-20 to the industrial routes near Eastman Chemical and the oilfield lease roads across the Haynesville Shale. We know the local doctors, the local courts, and most importantly, we know how to hold the people who hurt you accountable.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a Walmart truck, an Amazon van, a dump truck, or an oilfield tanker, your recovery is our mission. We advance all costs, we provide direct attorney access, and we do not stop until you receive every dime you deserve.
Contact Us Now:
- Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
- Direct: (713) 528-9070
- Online: https://attorney911.com
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
Your fight. Our focus. Your justice. One number: 888-ATTY-911.
