18-Wheeler Accidents in Morton, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident on Morton’s highways, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal situations imaginable. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across West Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges Morton families face after these devastating crashes.

Why Morton’s Trucking Accidents Are Different

Morton sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s most important agricultural and energy trucking routes. The combination of long-haul drivers passing through, local agricultural shipments, and oilfield equipment creates a unique risk profile on our roads. Unlike major metropolitan areas with dedicated truck lanes, Morton’s highways force large commercial vehicles to share the road with everyday drivers, increasing the risk of collisions.

Morton’s Critical Trucking Corridors

While Morton isn’t directly on a major interstate, several key highways serve as vital trucking routes through Cochran County:

1. US Highway 62/385 – This north-south corridor connects Morton to Lubbock (50 miles east) and Hobbs, New Mexico (40 miles west). It’s heavily used by agricultural trucks transporting cotton, grain, and livestock, as well as oilfield equipment heading to and from the Permian Basin.

2. State Highway 114 – Running east-west through Morton, this route connects to Levelland and ultimately Interstate 27. It sees significant truck traffic from local farms and ranches.

3. FM 1780 and FM 769 – These farm-to-market roads carry heavy agricultural equipment and are particularly dangerous during harvest seasons when truck traffic spikes.

The combination of long, straight stretches (which can lead to driver fatigue) and sudden turns (which challenge truck stability) makes these routes particularly hazardous. Additionally, the remote nature of these roads means help can be far away when accidents occur.

The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic outcomes the norm rather than the exception:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your average passenger car
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• The force of impact in a truck collision transfers massive energy to the smaller vehicle, often resulting in life-altering injuries

Common Catastrophic Injuries We See in Morton Trucking Cases

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid response team springs into action. Their goal? To protect their interests, not yours. Here’s what they do – and how Attorney911 fights back:

What They Do:

1. Dispatch investigators to the scene within hours
2. Download black box data before it can be overwritten
3. Interview witnesses before memories fade
4. Take photos that minimize their liability
5. Contact you with lowball settlement offers
6. Destroy evidence that could prove their negligence

How We Fight Back:

1. Send immediate spoliation letters demanding preservation of all evidence
2. Conduct independent investigations with accident reconstruction experts
3. Subpoena all electronic data (ELD, ECM, GPS, cell phone records)
4. Interview witnesses before the trucking company can influence them
5. Analyze maintenance records for deferred repairs and safety violations
6. Calculate full damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity

“Before the ambulance arrives, the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone working just as hard to protect yours.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner

Proving Negligence in Morton Trucking Cases

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company or driver was negligent. This requires demonstrating:

1. Duty of Care – The trucking company had a legal obligation to operate safely
2. Breach of Duty – They failed to meet this obligation through action or inaction
3. Causation – Their breach directly caused your injuries
4. Damages – You suffered actual harm as a result

Common FMCSA Violations We Find in Morton Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are designed to prevent exactly these kinds of accidents. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that often lead to crashes. Here are the most common violations we uncover in Morton trucking accident cases:

Morton-Specific Trucking Risks

Several factors make trucking accidents particularly common in our area:

1. Agricultural Seasonality – During harvest seasons (especially cotton in the fall), truck traffic on Morton’s roads increases dramatically. Overloaded trucks and fatigued drivers become more common.

2. Oilfield Equipment – The Permian Basin’s ongoing activity means heavy, oversized loads are frequently transported through Morton. These loads require special permits and often travel at slower speeds, creating hazards for other drivers.

3. Driver Fatigue – The long, straight stretches of US 62/385 and SH 114 can lull drivers into a dangerous state of fatigue, especially during overnight hauls.

4. Weather Conditions – West Texas weather can change rapidly. High winds on the plains can affect high-profile trailers, while sudden rainstorms can create slick road conditions that truck drivers aren’t prepared for.

5. Limited Emergency Services – Morton’s remote location means emergency response times can be longer than in urban areas. This makes prevention even more critical.

The Critical Evidence in Your Morton Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Here’s what we preserve and how it helps your case:

Electronic Data (Must Be Preserved Immediately)

Physical Evidence

Documentary Evidence

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Morton Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation:

1. The Truck Driver – For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, or maintenance failures
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions or failure to disclose hazardous cargo
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement that caused the accident
5. Truck or Parts Manufacturers – For defective equipment (brakes, tires, steering systems)
6. Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or failure to identify safety issues
7. Freight Brokers – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
8. Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (limited by sovereign immunity)

“Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.” – Attorney911

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Really Up Against

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. While this means there’s more money available to compensate you, it also means the insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts.

Common Insurance Tactics – And How We Counter Them

Your Legal Rights After a Morton Trucking Accident

Texas law provides several legal avenues for recovering compensation after a trucking accident:

Types of Damages Available

Texas Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

• If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover NOTHING

For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you recover $800,000
• If you’re 51% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you recover $0

This makes it critical to have an attorney who can minimize your attributed fault through thorough investigation and evidence presentation.

The Attorney911 Advantage for Morton Trucking Cases

When you choose Attorney911 for your Morton trucking accident case, you’re getting a team with:

1. Unmatched Local Knowledge

We know Morton’s roads, courts, and community. We understand:

• The unique traffic patterns on US 62/385 and SH 114
• The agricultural and oilfield trucking cycles that affect safety
• The local judges and their approaches to trucking cases
• The medical providers in Morton and surrounding areas who treat accident victims

2. Proven Track Record Against Trucking Companies

Our firm has successfully litigated against major commercial entities including:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Various interstate trucking companies

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes, 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 trucking-related wrongful death cases

3. Federal Court Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This is critical for:

• Interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court
• Complex cases involving multiple states
• Cases against large national carriers

4. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• The tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle for maximum value
• How to counter their strategies effectively

5. Bilingual Services for Morton’s Community

Morton’s population includes many Spanish-speaking residents. Our team includes:

• Lupe Peña, fluent in Spanish
• Bilingual staff members like Zulema (praised in client reviews)
• Spanish-language legal services without interpreters

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

6. Comprehensive Case Management

From the moment you call, we handle every aspect of your case:

• Immediate evidence preservation
• Medical care coordination
• Insurance negotiations
• Expert witness retention
• Court filings and litigation
• Settlement negotiations

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Morton

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Morton or anywhere in Cochran County, follow these critical steps:

At the Scene (If You’re Able)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Document Everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)
   • License plates and DOT numbers
   • Road conditions and weather
   • Skid marks and debris
   • Your injuries
3. Get Information – Collect:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name and insurance information
   • Witness names and contact information
4. Don’t Admit Fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you
5. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out

In the Following Days

1. Follow Up on Medical Care – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s orders
2. Document Your Injuries – Keep a journal of your pain levels, limitations, and how the injuries affect your daily life
3. Preserve Evidence – Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to the accident
4. Don’t Give Statements – Never provide recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
5. Contact Attorney911 – Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Morton Trucking Accident Case Timeline

While every case is unique, here’s a general timeline for trucking accident cases in Morton:

Why Morton Families Choose Attorney911

Client Testimonials

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. When I was rear-ended by a truck on US 62, the team got right to work and I got a very nice settlement.”
— Mongo Slade, 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

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph took his bogus case and had it dismissed within a WEEK! I have been trying for over 2 years.”
— Beth Bonds, Attorney911 Client

Our Morton-Specific Approach

1. Immediate Action – We know that in Morton’s remote location, evidence can disappear quickly. We act fast to preserve critical data before it’s lost.

2. Local Resources – We have relationships with:

   • Medical providers in Morton, Levelland, and Lubbock
   • Accident reconstruction experts familiar with West Texas roads
   • Vocational experts who understand Morton’s job market
   • Local courts and judges

3. Agricultural and Oilfield Expertise – We understand the unique challenges of:

   • Cotton and grain hauling
   • Livestock transportation
   • Oilfield equipment transport
   • Seasonal harvest cycles

4. Remote Case Management – For Morton residents who may have difficulty traveling, we offer:

   • Virtual consultations
   • Electronic document signing
   • Remote case updates
   • Travel to Morton for meetings when needed

Frequently Asked Questions About Morton Trucking Accidents

1. How much is my Morton trucking accident case 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 we can’t predict exact amounts, trucking cases typically settle for significantly more than car accident cases due to higher insurance limits. We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Morton?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait this long to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

3. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation under Texas’s comparative negligence rules. Our job is to thoroughly investigate the accident and present evidence that minimizes your attributed fault. Often, what drivers claim happened is contradicted by the objective data from the truck’s black box and ELD.

4. Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

Yes. While not wearing a seatbelt might reduce your compensation by a small percentage, Texas law still allows you to recover damages. The trucking company’s negligence is the primary cause of the accident, and they can’t escape liability simply because you weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

5. What if the trucking company goes out of business?

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, there are usually other avenues for recovery:

• The driver’s personal insurance
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The loading company
• The maintenance provider
• The truck or parts manufacturer

We investigate all potential sources of compensation to ensure you receive the maximum recovery possible.

6. How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my Morton trucking accident case?

At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket

7. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000.

8. How long will my case take to resolve?

Most trucking accident cases settle within 12-24 months. Complex cases with severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer. Cases that go to trial can take 2-4 years. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

9. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. Our trial experience often leads to better settlement offers.

10. What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for my medical treatment?

We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis. This means they’ll provide treatment now and get paid from your settlement later. We have relationships with providers in Morton, Levelland, and Lubbock who work with accident victims.

The Morton Trucking Accident Checklist

Use this checklist to protect your rights after a trucking accident in Morton:

✅ At the Scene:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, and road conditions
• Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
• Get the trucking company name and insurance information
• Collect witness names and contact information
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay

✅ In the First 48 Hours:

• Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Follow up with medical treatment
• Document your injuries with photos
• Keep all accident-related receipts

✅ In the Following Weeks:

• Attend all medical appointments
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
• Keep a journal of your pain and limitations
• Save all medical records and bills
• Avoid discussing your case on social media
• Stay in communication with your attorney

Why Time Is Critical in Your Morton Trucking Case

Every hour that passes after your accident increases the risk that critical evidence will be lost. Here’s what happens over time:

“Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage may be deleted in 7 days. Witness memories fade quickly. If you’ve been hurt in a Morton trucking accident, call us NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send preservation letters immediately to protect your evidence.” – Ralph Manginello

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Morton or anywhere in Cochran County, here’s what to do next:

1. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
2. Schedule a free consultation – We can meet in person, by phone, or via video conference
3. Let us handle everything – We’ll preserve evidence, coordinate medical care, and fight for maximum compensation
4. Focus on your recovery – While we handle the legal battle, you focus on healing

Remember: The trucking company has a team working against you right now. You deserve a team fighting for you.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We answer 24/7.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.