18-Wheeler Accidents in Newark, Texas: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

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

The moment you see an 18-wheeler jackknifing across I-35 or rolling over on FM 407, everything changes. One second you’re driving home from work in Newark, the next you’re fighting for your life as 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo crashes into your vehicle. The impact is catastrophic. The injuries are life-altering. And the trucking company? They already have lawyers working to protect their interests – not yours.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know the Newark area’s trucking corridors like the back of our hand – from the distribution centers along I-35 to the oilfield traffic on Highway 114. When disaster strikes on Newark’s roads, you need a legal team that understands both the federal trucking regulations and the local landscape.

Why Newark’s Trucking Accidents Are Different

Newark sits at a critical juncture in Wise County’s transportation network. The convergence of major highways, oilfield activity, and agricultural traffic creates unique risks:

• I-35 Corridor: One of the busiest trucking routes in America, carrying freight between the Mexican border and Canada
• Highway 114: Connects Newark to the Barnett Shale oilfields, bringing heavy equipment and hazardous materials traffic
• FM 407 and FM 718: Rural roads where truck drivers often push speed limits and hours of service violations
• Local Distribution: Newark’s position near major metro areas means constant truck traffic from warehouses and distribution centers

The trucking companies know these routes well – and they know how to exploit them. They pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules. They cut corners on maintenance. They hire drivers with questionable records. And when accidents happen? They send rapid-response teams to protect their interests, not yours.

The Stark Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Every year in Texas, 18-wheelers are involved in:

• 5,100+ fatalities nationwide (NHTSA)
• 125,000+ injuries requiring medical attention
• 76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle

In Newark and Wise County, these statistics aren’t just numbers – they’re neighbors, friends, and family members whose lives were changed forever by a moment of trucking company negligence.

The physics are simple but brutal:

• Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds
• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds
• That’s 20 times the weight – and 20 times the force in a collision
• At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields

When that kind of force hits your vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.

Common Catastrophic Injuries We See in Newark Cases

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t like typical car accident injuries. They’re often permanent, life-altering, and extraordinarily expensive to treat:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent forces of a truck collision can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull, leading to:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Cognitive impairments
• Permanent disability requiring 24/7 care
• Lifetime costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When the spinal cord is damaged, the results can be permanent:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
• Lifetime costs: $1,100,000 to $5,000,000+

Amputations

Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation:

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations due to severe damage
• Prosthetic costs: $5,000 to $50,000 per limb
• Multiple replacements needed over a lifetime

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazardous cargo spills create horrific burn injuries:

• First-degree (superficial)
• Second-degree (partial thickness)
• Third-degree (full thickness – requires skin grafts)
• Fourth-degree (through skin to muscle/bone)
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

The force of impact can damage organs without external signs:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Organ removal

Wrongful Death

When the worst happens, surviving family members can pursue:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

The Trucking Company Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team swings into action. Their playbook is always the same:

1. Send investigators to the scene before the police finish their report
2. Download black box data – but only what helps their case
3. Interview the driver – coaching them on what to say
4. Contact you with a “friendly” settlement offer
5. Pressure you to accept before you understand your injuries

Their goal? To pay you as little as possible, as quickly as possible, before you realize the full extent of your damages.

Our counter-strategy is equally aggressive – but it works for YOU:

1. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours, demanding preservation of ALL evidence
2. We secure the scene with our own investigators and accident reconstruction experts
3. We obtain ALL black box data – not just what the trucking company wants to share
4. We subpoena maintenance records to prove negligent upkeep
5. We analyze driver qualification files to expose hiring negligence
6. We fight for every dollar you deserve – not just what the insurance company offers

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we do immediately:

Within 24 Hours:

✅ Send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
✅ Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
✅ Secure police crash reports
✅ Photograph the accident scene before cleanup
✅ Interview witnesses before memories fade

Within 48 Hours:

✅ Obtain ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records
✅ Download dashcam footage if available
✅ Subpoena cell phone records
✅ Preserve the physical truck and trailer
✅ Send preservation notices to all third parties (loading companies, brokers, etc.)

Critical Evidence Types:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: Hours of service compliance, driving time, rest breaks
• Driver Qualification File: Hiring records, training, medical certification
• Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, repairs
• Cargo Documentation: Weight, securement, hazmat information
• Cell Phone Records: Distracted driving evidence
• Dashcam Footage: Visual record of the accident

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to keep our roads safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents. These violations become powerful evidence in your case.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The most commonly violated – and most dangerous – regulations:

Why This Matters: Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate HOS regulations, they’re too tired to react safely.

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

The Driver Qualification File Must Contain:

• Employment application
• Motor vehicle record from state
• Road test certificate
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer verification
• Drug and alcohol test results

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Driving Rule Violations (49 CFR Part 392)

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Newark Trucking Cases

In a typical car accident, there’s usually one defendant. In trucking accidents, there are often multiple parties whose negligence contributed to the crash. We investigate every potential source of liability and insurance coverage.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence claims against the driver for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medications)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Improper lane changes or turns

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

Both vicarious liability and direct negligence claims:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when accident occurred

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, or safety violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations or meet unrealistic deadlines

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Liability 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

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Product liability claims for:

• Design defects in braking systems, stability control, or safety features
• Manufacturing defects causing component failures
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

6. Parts Manufacturer

Claims against manufacturers of:

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

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers 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

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements:

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

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable 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

Newark-Specific Trucking Accident Scenarios

Every Newark trucking accident is unique, but we see patterns based on local conditions:

I-35 Corridor Accidents

• Rear-end collisions from sudden traffic slowdowns
• Lane change accidents in heavy freight traffic
• Underride collisions when trucks stop unexpectedly
• Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
• Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers pushing limits

Highway 114 Oilfield Traffic

• Equipment transport accidents from oversized loads
• Hazmat spills from tanker trucks
• Rollover accidents on rural curves
• Brake failures on long descents
• Distracted driving from dispatch communications

FM 407 and FM 718 Rural Roads

• Speeding violations on open stretches
• Hours of service violations from drivers pushing limits
• Wildlife collisions causing loss of control
• Poor visibility accidents at night
• Road condition crashes from lack of maintenance

Newark Area Intersections

• Wide turn accidents at Highway 114/FM 407
• Red light violations at major crossings
• Underride collisions at stoplights
• Pedestrian and cyclist accidents near schools and businesses
• Rollover accidents from sharp turns

What Your Newark Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Trucking accident cases are worth significantly more than typical car accident claims because:

1. The injuries are more severe
2. Multiple defendants mean multiple insurance policies
3. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
4. Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence

Documented Settlement Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases:

Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

Recent Texas trucking verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when companies are held fully accountable:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021): Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million – Werner Settlement (2022): Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 Million – Trucking verdict in Texas (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Family injured in truck accident (Texas)
• $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025, largest in Tarrant County)

The Attorney911 Advantage for Newark Victims

When you’re fighting trucking companies and their insurance carriers, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specialized expertise and local knowledge.

1. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience

• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
• Experience litigating against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers
• Involvement in BP Texas City explosion litigation against multinational corporations

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle
• How they deny claims
• The software they use to undervalue your suffering

3. Newark-Specific Expertise

We know:

• The most dangerous intersections in Wise County
• The trucking corridors that see the most accidents
• The local courts and judges
• The distribution centers and oilfield operations that generate the most truck traffic
• The weather patterns that create hazardous driving conditions

4. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We don’t wait for evidence to disappear:

• Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours
• Immediate black box data downloads
• Subpoenas for cell phone records
• Accident reconstruction experts deployed to the scene
• Preservation of physical evidence before it’s repaired or scrapped

5. Comprehensive Medical Support

We help you get the care you need:

• Connections to Newark-area specialists
• Coordination with your doctors
• Documentation of all injuries
• Future care planning for catastrophic injuries

6. Bilingual Services

With Lupe Peña’s fluent Spanish and our bilingual staff, we serve Newark’s Hispanic community directly:

• No interpreters needed
• Direct communication with Spanish-speaking clients
• Serving Texas’s large Hispanic trucking workforce

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Newark

At the Scene:

✅ Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and EMS
✅ Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
✅ Document everything – Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions, skid marks
✅ Get truck information – Company name, DOT number, license plate, driver’s name and CDL number
✅ Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers
✅ Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
✅ Do NOT sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer

In the Days After:

✅ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send preservation letters immediately
✅ Follow all medical advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
✅ Document your injuries – Keep a journal of pain levels and limitations
✅ Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
✅ Keep all accident-related documents – Police reports, medical bills, repair estimates

Frequently Asked Questions About Newark Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact details, and call Attorney911 immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases – we send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to protect your rights.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Newark?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from the carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened – the data from the truck’s black box and ELD often tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have electronic systems (ECM/EDR) that record operational data including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Following distance
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

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 impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment in extreme cases.

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 Newark?

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.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Newark?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. 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.

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.

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. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

The Attorney911 Promise to Newark Victims

When you’re lying in a hospital bed with broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, or facing life as a paraplegic, the last thing you should worry about is fighting insurance companies. That’s our job.

We Promise:

✅ Immediate action – Spoliation letters sent within 24-48 hours
✅ Aggressive investigation – We gather all evidence before it disappears
✅ Comprehensive medical support – We help you get the care you need
✅ Maximum compensation – We fight for every dollar you deserve
✅ No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Personal attention – You’re family, not a case number
✅ 24/7 availability – We’re here when you need us

Our Track Record:

• $50+ Million recovered for Texas families
• Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases
• 251+ Google reviews with 4.9-star average
• 25+ years of courtroom experience
• Federal court admission to handle interstate trucking cases
• Former insurance defense attorney on staff – we know their tactics
• Offices serving Newark from our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont locations

Newark’s Trucking Accident Attorneys – Here When You Need Us Most

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Newark, Wise County, or anywhere in Texas, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company’s lawyers are already working to protect their interests. You need a legal team that will fight just as hard for you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send preservation letters immediately to protect your evidence and begin building your case. You pay nothing unless we win.

Remember: The trucking company hopes you don’t know your rights. We do. And we’re ready to fight for you.

“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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.