18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Newark, Texas – Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving down Wise County’s highways near Newark, Texas, the next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across FM 718 or rolling over on Highway 287. In that instant, everything changes. The pain is immediate. The medical bills start piling up. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling with a lowball offer. And your family’s future suddenly feels uncertain.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our Newark trucking accident attorneys have been fighting for families just like yours for over 25 years. We know the Wise County courts. We know the trucking corridors that serve Newark and the surrounding communities. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence destroys lives.

Why Newark 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Newark, Texas, sits at the crossroads of major trucking activity. The Wise County area sees heavy commercial traffic from:

• Highway 287 – Connecting Fort Worth to Wichita Falls, this major north-south corridor carries everything from livestock to oilfield equipment
• FM 718 – Serving local agricultural and oilfield traffic, this route sees its share of oversized loads and fatigued drivers
• Highway 114 – Linking to Decatur and beyond, this route carries agricultural products and manufactured goods
• Local distribution centers – Serving the growing communities of Newark, Rhome, and surrounding areas

The trucks you encounter on these roads aren’t just passing through – they’re serving local industries, delivering goods to Wise County businesses, and supporting the area’s economy. But when these 80,000-pound vehicles are operated by fatigued drivers, maintained by negligent companies, or loaded by careless shippers, they become deadly weapons.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Newark, Texas

Jackknife Accidents on Wise County Highways

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Newark’s highways, especially during sudden weather changes or when drivers brake improperly on wet or icy roads. When a trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it can block multiple lanes of traffic, creating devastating multi-vehicle pileups.

Common causes in Newark:

• Sudden braking on Highway 287 during rush hour
• Improperly loaded trailers shifting weight during turns
• Worn brake systems that fail during emergency stops
• Driver inexperience with Wise County’s road conditions

Underride Collisions – Among the Most Deadly

Underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, resulting in catastrophic head and neck injuries or decapitation.

Newark-specific risks:

• Poorly lit intersections on rural roads
• Trailers without proper underride guards
• Wide turns at rural intersections where visibility is limited
• Sudden stops by trucks on Highway 287 near exit ramps

Rollover Accidents on Newark’s Rural Roads

Rollover accidents are especially dangerous in Newark’s rural areas where emergency response times may be longer. These accidents often occur when:

• Drivers take curves too fast on FM 718
• Trailers are top-heavy with improperly secured cargo
• Drivers overcorrect after running off the road
• Liquid cargo shifts during turns, destabilizing the vehicle

Rear-End Collisions on Highway 287

With the growing population in Wise County, Highway 287 sees increased traffic congestion. Rear-end collisions are common when:

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

Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections

Newark’s rural intersections present unique challenges for truck drivers making wide turns. These accidents often occur when:

• Drivers swing wide to make right turns, cutting off vehicles in the right lane
• Visibility is limited by trees or buildings at rural intersections
• Drivers fail to properly signal their intentions
• Passenger vehicles enter the “squeeze play” zone between the truck and curb

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Newark Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The violent forces of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes that may require lifelong care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia and paraplegia often require millions of dollars in lifetime medical care and home modifications.
• Amputations: Crushing injuries from truck impacts may require surgical amputation of limbs, leaving victims with permanent disabilities and the need for prosthetic devices.
• Severe Burns: When fuel tanks rupture or hazardous materials spill, victims can suffer third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal Organ Damage: The force of a truck collision can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, and other life-threatening conditions that may not be immediately apparent.
• Wrongful Death: When the worst happens, families are left to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one, often the primary breadwinner.

Why Trucking Companies Try to Blame Victims

After an accident, trucking companies and their insurance adjusters will often try to shift blame to you. Common tactics include:

• Claiming you “came out of nowhere” – even when their driver was in your lane
• Arguing you were speeding – without evidence
• Suggesting your injuries existed before the accident
• Offering quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
• Pressuring you to give a recorded statement that they’ll use against you

This is why you need a Newark trucking accident attorney immediately. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. We know their tactics, and we know how to counter them.

The Evidence That Disappears – What You Need to Preserve Now

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Critical data that can prove the trucking company’s negligence is often overwritten or destroyed within days:

This is why time is critical. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence and puts them on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

How We Prove the Trucking Company’s Negligence

FMCSA Violations – The Federal Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. We investigate for:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395):

• Drivers exceeding the 11-hour driving limit
• Drivers operating beyond the 14-hour on-duty window
• Failure to take required 30-minute breaks
• Violating the 60/70-hour weekly limits
• Falsifying electronic logging device (ELD) records

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391):

• Hiring drivers without proper CDL licenses
• Failing to conduct background checks
• Employing drivers with suspended licenses
• Not verifying previous employment history
• Ignoring medical certification requirements

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396):

• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Ignoring known vehicle defects
• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Improper brake adjustments
• Worn or damaged tires

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393):

• Inadequate number of tiedowns
• Improper load distribution
• Failure to use blocking or bracing
• Overloaded trailers exceeding weight limits
• Hazardous materials not properly secured

The Trucking Company’s Safety Record

Every trucking company has a safety record available through the FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System (SMS). We obtain:

• CSA Scores: The company’s overall safety rating
• Inspection History: Past violations and out-of-service orders
• Crash History: Previous accidents and their causes
• Safety Rating: Whether the company is “satisfactory,” “conditional,” or “unsatisfactory”

A poor safety record can prove that the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on Newark’s roads but chose to prioritize profits over safety.

The Driver’s History

We thoroughly investigate the driver’s background by obtaining:

• Driver Qualification File: The company’s hiring documentation
• Previous Employment Records: Past accidents and violations
• Driving Record: State motor vehicle reports
• Medical Certification: Any conditions that might affect driving ability
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing

This investigation often reveals patterns of negligence or a history of safety violations that the trucking company ignored.

Who We Hold Accountable in Newark Trucking Accidents

In car accidents, there’s usually only one defendant – the other driver. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, and supervision
3. The Cargo Owner: For improper loading instructions or hazardous materials
4. The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
5. The Truck Manufacturer: For defective components that caused the accident
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes, tires, or other components
7. The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs that failed
8. The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
9. The Truck Owner: If different from the carrier (negligent entrustment)
10. Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions that contributed

Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

What Your Newark Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles. Federal law requires:

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

Many companies carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Damages we pursue for Newark clients:

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma and emotional distress
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
• Disfigurement: Scarring and visible injuries
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage and family relationships
• Punitive Damages: When the trucking company acted with gross negligence

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

Juries are holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence with massive verdicts:

• $462 Million (2024, Missouri) – Underride accident where two men were decapitated
• $160 Million (2024, Alabama) – Rollover accident that left a driver quadriplegic
• $141.5 Million (2023, Florida) – Verdict against a defunct trucking carrier
• $730 Million (2021, Texas) – Oversize load accident that killed a 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million (2022, Texas) – Settlement for a family where two children were killed

These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their actions.

Why Newark Families Choose Attorney911

1. We’re Newark Trucking Accident Attorneys Who Know Wise County

We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Newark attorneys. We know:

• The Wise County court system and judges
• The trucking corridors that serve Newark and surrounding communities
• The local hospitals and medical providers
• The unique challenges of rural trucking accidents

Our offices in Houston and Austin give us the resources to handle complex trucking cases, while our local knowledge ensures we understand the specific needs of Newark families.

2. Our Managing Partner Has 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:

• Recovering multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• A track record of holding Fortune 500 trucking companies accountable

3. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

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

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle cases
• How they try to deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage in negotiations and litigation.

4. We’ve Recovered $50+ Million for Texas Families

Our track record includes:

• $5+ Million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered leg amputation
• $2.5+ Million for a truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million for a maritime back injury case
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Many trucking accident victims in Newark and Wise County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

6. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that after a trucking accident, medical bills are piling up and you may be unable to work. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you

This means you can have an experienced Newark trucking accident attorney fighting for you without adding to your financial stress.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Newark

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention right away. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately. Immediate medical evaluation:

• Creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident
• Ensures you receive proper treatment
• Protects your health and your legal case

2. Document Everything at the Scene

If you’re able, take these steps:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Take photos of all vehicle damage (inside and out)
• Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Note the responding officer’s name and badge number

3. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call quickly – often within hours. They are trained to:

• Get you to admit fault
• Minimize your injuries
• Offer quick, lowball settlements
• Record statements they’ll use against you

Do not give any recorded statements. Refer all calls to your attorney.

4. Contact a Newark Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Time is critical in trucking accident cases. Evidence disappears quickly:

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within days
• Witness memories fade within weeks
• Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to protect the evidence in your case.

Common Questions from Newark Trucking Accident Victims

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we can investigate your case, the stronger it will be.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. 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. Often, drivers claim the victim caused the accident to protect their jobs – but the electronic data tells the true story.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of your injuries
• Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles, allowing for larger recoveries. We’ve seen cases worth from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Trucking companies are required to carry insurance. We identify all available insurance policies, including:

• The motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Excess/umbrella coverage

Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, we can still recover from their insurance policies.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes! Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

The Attorney911 Difference – How We Fight for Newark Families

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Dashcam footage
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• Dispatch records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The physical truck and trailer

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation includes:

• Accident Reconstruction: We work with expert engineers to analyze the crash dynamics
• Electronic Data Analysis: We obtain and interpret ECM and ELD data
• Driver Background Check: We investigate the driver’s history and qualifications
• Company Safety Record Review: We obtain the carrier’s FMCSA safety record
• Vehicle Inspection: We examine the truck for maintenance violations
• Witness Interviews: We locate and interview witnesses before memories fade

3. Aggressive Negotiation

We negotiate from a position of strength. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• What makes them settle cases
• How to counter their lowball offers
• When to push for maximum compensation

4. Trial-Ready Preparation

While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. This preparation:

• Strengthens our negotiating position
• Shows insurance companies we’re serious
• Ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around

After a trucking accident, you’re vulnerable. The trucking company has:

• Teams of lawyers
• Rapid-response investigators
• Millions in insurance coverage
• Experience minimizing claims

You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back. At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our Newark trucking accident attorneys have:

• 25+ years of experience
• Insider knowledge of insurance company tactics
• A track record of multi-million dollar recoveries
• The resources to take on the largest trucking companies

Call Attorney911 Now – 1-888-ATTY-911

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Newark trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call the Newark trucking accident attorneys who fight back. 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.