City of Roscoe Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Justice When 80,000 Pounds Collides with Your Life
In a single heartbeat on Interstate 20 near Roscoe, your world can be shattered. One moment you are driving past the towering wind turbines that define the Nolan County horizon, and the next, your rearview mirror is filled with the massive grill of an out-of-control 18-wheeler. The impact isn’t just a collision; it is a life-altering event. When a fully loaded commercial truck weighing 80,000 pounds slams into a 4,000-pound passenger car, the laws of physics are never on your side. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Roscoe, you aren’t just dealing with a simple insurance claim. You are in a high-stakes legal battle against massive corporations and their aggressive defense teams.
At Attorney911, we recognize that a truck wreck in Roscoe is a legal emergency. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent more than 25 years in the trenches of personal injury law, holding negligent trucking companies accountable since 1998. We don’t just know the law; we know the tactics used by the billion-dollar insurance companies to minimize your suffering. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. He has seen the industry playbook from the inside. He knows how they evaluate claims, how they train their adjusters to lowball victims, and—most importantly—how to counter those strategies to win for you.
Roscoe sits at a critical junction in West Texas, where I-20 and US-84 converge. This corridor is a lifeline for the Permian Basin’s oilfields and the vast wind farms of Nolan County. It is also one of the most dangerous stretches of road in the state. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi-truck, an overloaded oilfield water hauler, or a flatbed carrying massive wind turbine blades, we have the experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you need immediate help after a Roscoe truck wreck, call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations, and you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
Why Roscoe Truck Accidents are Fundamentally Different
When you are involved in a standard car accident in Roscoe, you are typically dealing with one other driver and a single insurance policy with limits often as low as $30,000. In a Roscoe commercial truck accident, the landscape is far more complex. These cases involve federal regulations, multiple layers of high-limit insurance, and a list of potentially liable parties that can span across several states.
Trucking companies are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to carry significantly higher insurance limits—ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more. Because there is so much money on the line, these companies don’t just wait for you to file a claim. Within hours of a crash on I-20 or an FM road in Nolan County, the trucking company often has an “incident response team” at the scene. They are there to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and find ways to shift the blame onto you.
Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record against these massive entities. Our firm has litigated against some of the largest corporations in the world, including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We even have experience in the landmark BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation, proving we are never intimidated by Fortune 500 legal teams. When you hire us, you are getting a fighter who has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of traumatic brain injuries and catastrophic loss. As our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The Crossroads of Nolan County: Where Traffic and Negligence Meet
Roscoe is a hub of activity. The constant flow of freight between Fort Worth and Midland-Odessa, combined with the agricultural traffic heading toward Lubbock, makes our local roads a high-risk zone. We represent victims injured on every major route through the area, including:
- Interstate 20: The primary eastbound/westbound artery through Roscoe. High speeds and driver fatigue on long West Texas hauls make this the site of frequent rear-end collisions and jackknife accidents.
- US Highway 84: A major route for trucks heading north toward Snyder and Lubbock. This highway sees heavy traffic from agricultural haulers and wind energy equipment.
- FM 608 and FM 1229: These farm-to-market roads are increasingly shared with heavy oilfield trucks. When a 60,000-pound dump truck or a produced-water tanker takes these narrow turns too fast, the results are often fatal.
- Local Service Roads and Intersection crossings: Where local Roscoe residents are most at risk of “squeeze play” wide-turn accidents and blind-spot collisions.
The sheer volume of specialized commercial traffic in Roscoe—from sand haulers to oversized turbine blade transporters—requires an attorney who understands the specific risks associated with each vehicle type. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience gives our clients a distinct advantage in navigating these complex West Texas accident scenarios.
The clock is already ticking on your evidence. Call (888) 288-9911 now to ensure your rights are protected.
Proving Negligence through Federal Regulations: The FMCSA Framework
In Roscoe, a trucking company cannot simply claim “it was an accident.” Every commercial carrier operating in interstate commerce is bound by a strict set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These rules, found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 390-399, are the foundation of our negligence claims.
When a truck driver slams into you on I-20, we don’t just look at the police report. We look for which federal laws were broken. Our firm’s deep understanding of these regulations allows us to turn a company’s own records against them.
49 CFR Part 395: Fighting Driver Fatigue in Roscoe
Fatigue is the silent killer on Nolan County roads. Drivers pushing through the long, monotonous stretches of West Texas often violate “Hours of Service” (HOS) rules. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
When a driver is pressured by a dispatcher to make a delivery in Roscoe on an impossible deadline, they may falsify their logs or bypass the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements. We subpoena the ELD data and GPS records to prove the driver was illegally exhausted at the time of the crash.
49 CFR Part 391: Negligent Hiring and Qualifications
A trucking company has a legal duty to ensure their drivers are safe. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, a motor carrier must verify that a driver has a valid CDL, a current medical certificate, and a safe driving history. We frequently find that companies in high-demand industries like the Permian Basin oilfield cut corners. They might hire a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets because they need bodies in the cab. That is negligent hiring, and we hold them accountable for it.
49 CFR Part 396: Maintenance and Inspection Failures
Brake failure accounts for a staggering percentage of truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain its vehicles. If a truck involved in a Roscoe accident had “soft” brakes or worn-out tires, the company violated federal law. We send our own investigators to inspect the wreckage before the trucking company can hide the evidence of their maintenance neglect.
49 CFR Part 393: Hazardous Cargo and Securement
Roscoe is the “Wind Capital,” meaning we see massive loads every day. 49 CFR Part 393 dictates how cargo must be secured. If a wind turbine component or a load of cotton isn’t properly strapped down and it shifts, it can cause a catastrophic rollover. We examine the loading records and tiedown equipment to prove the cargo contributed to the crash.
If you suspect a trucking company broke federal law in your Roscoe accident, you need Ralph Manginello in your corner. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Detailed Breakdown of Truck Accident Types in Roscoe
Not every truck wreck is the same. The physics of an underride crash are different from a rollover, and the liability often rests with different parties. We have the technical expertise to handle any scenario.
Jackknife Accidents on I-20
A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of the tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing out to the side like a folding knife. This is often caused by improper braking or speeding in Nolan County’s sudden rainstorms. In the high-speed environment of I-20, a jackknifing trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, trapping every car in its path. We look at the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to see exactly when and how hard the driver hit the brakes.
Rollover Wrecks and High West Texas Winds
Nolan County is famous for its wind, but for a high-profile commercial truck, that wind is a deadly hazard. When a truck is top-heavy or has an unsecured load, a strong gust near Roscoe can tip the vehicle over. Under FMCSA 392.14, drivers are required to exercise extreme caution or even stop driving during hazardous conditions. If a driver chose to stay on the road in high winds and caused a rollover, the company is liable.
The Horror of Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most terrifying accident type we handle in Roscoe is the underride crash. This happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a semi-trailer because the trailer sits higher than a car’s bumper. These crashes are frequently fatal, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic TBI. We investigate whether the truck’s rear impact guards (Mansfield bars) were properly maintained or if the truck lacked required reflective tape and lighting.
Tire Blowouts and Maintenance Neglect
A steer-tire blowout at 75 mph on I-20 gives the driver almost zero control. While trucking companies often try to blame “road debris,” most blowouts are caused by underinflation or using retreaded tires that should have been discarded. We analyze the rubber remnants and the fleet’s maintenance logs to prove the blowout was a predictable result of cutting costs.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Roscoe
Commercial trucks need massive space to turn. In the tighter intersections of downtown Roscoe or at truck stops along the highway, drivers often swing left before making a right turn. If the driver fails to check their blind spots or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a passenger car against the curb. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies try to blame the car driver in these cases. He uses his defense background to shut down those arguments.
Targeted Representation for Specialized Commercial Vehicles
Roscoe isn’t just full of standard 18-wheelers. Our local economy relies on specialized heavy equipment. We offer expert representation for accidents involving every type of commercial vehicle.
Oilfield Truck Accidents in Nolan County
Nolan County is on the edge of the lucrative Permian Basin. This means our roads are flooded with oilfield traffic. We represent victims hit by:
- Frac Sand Haulers: Often overloaded and operated by fatigued drivers.
- Water Tankers: The liquid “slosh” inside these trucks makes them highly prone to rollovers.
- Hot Shot Trucking: Pickup trucks hauling urgent repairs at excessive speeds.
- Crew Vans: 15-passenger vans that often lack modern safety features and carry multiple workers at risk of Polytrauma.
Wind Turbine Transport and Oversized Loads
Roscoe’s status as a wind energy leader means we see some of the longest loads on the road. A single turbine blade can be over 150 feet long. These moves require pilot cars, police escorts, and precise coordination. If a transport company fails to follow their permit requirements or a pilot car driver is distracted, the results are catastrophic. We understand the unique permitting and safety requirements for oversized loads in Texas.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Construction in the Roscoe area brings heavy gravel trucks and cement mixers onto our roads. A loaded concrete mixer is one of the most dangerous vehicles because the rotating drum constantly shifts the center of gravity. These vehicles often operate under extreme time pressure, as concrete has a limited window before it sets. This pressure leads to reckless driving and intersection T-bone collisions.
Moving Trucks and Rental Vehicles (U-Haul, Penske)
A terrifying reality in Roscoe is that anyone with a standard driver’s license can rent a 26-foot U-Haul truck weighing 26,000 pounds and take it on I-20 with zero training. When an inexperienced driver in a rental truck causes a wreck, we investigate whether the rental company (U-Haul, Budget, or Penske) was negligent in maintaining the vehicle or in renting it to an obviously unfit driver.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita sobre su accidente.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Who is Responsible for Your Injuries?
One of the reasons you need an experienced Roscoe truck accident lawyer is that the driver is rarely the only one at fault. To maximize your recovery, we cast the widest possible net of liability.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
- The Trucking Company: Under “respondeat superior,” the employer is liable for the employee’s actions. We also sue the company for negligent hiring, training, and maintenance.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If the way the cargo was packaged or documented contributed to the crash.
- The Loading Company: Third parties that fail to secure a load properly can be held liable when that load shifts and causes a rollover in Nolan County.
- Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers: We look for defective brakes, faulty steering components, or tire manufacturing defects.
- Maintenance Contractors: If the fleet outsourced its repairs to a mechanic who failed to identify a safety hazard.
- The Freight Broker: If a broker hired a trucking company with a “Conditional” safety rating or a history of violations, the broker is liable for negligent selection.
- The Oilfield Operator: In oil patch accidents, the oil company that hired the contractor may share responsibility for the safety of the lease roads or the production pressure they applied.
- Corporate Parent Companies: When an Amazon DSP van hits you, we don’t just sue the small contractor; we look for ways to hold Amazon accountable for the control they exercise over the delivery process.
- Government Entities: If a poorly designed highway intersection or a massive pothole on a Nolan County road contributed to the accident, we may have a claim against the state or county.
Most firms stop at the driver. We dig deeper. Call (888) 288-9911 for an attorney who investigates the whole story.
48-Hour Urgency: The Critical Evidence Preservation Protocol
The most common mistake Roscoe truck accident victims make is waiting too long to hire an attorney. In the trucking industry, evidence is at constant risk of “disappearing.”
Black Box Data Overwriting: Most modern trucks have an Engine Control Module. However, this data is often overwritten in as little as 30 days of normal driving—or even sooner if the truck is returned to service. Once that data is gone, your proof of the driver’s speed and braking disappears with it.
The Spoliation Letter: The moment you retain Attorney911, we send a formal “spoliation letter” to the trucking company. This is a legal demand that they preserve all evidence, including:
- ELD logs and paper backup logs.
- The truck’s “black box” download.
- The driver’s personnel and qualification files.
- Forward-facing and driver-facing dashcam footage.
- Company emails and dispatch communications.
- In-vehicle monitoring (IVMS) data from oilfield operations.
If a trucking company in Roscoe destroys evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the judge for “spoliation sanctions.” This might include telling the jury they must assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.
The Human Cost: Catastrophic Injuries in Roscoe Truck Wrecks
We see the devastation that a Nolan County 18-wheeler wreck causes to a family. These aren’t just “accidents”; they are trauma events that leave victims with permanent scars—both physical and emotional.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even a “minor” concussion from a rear-end truck collision can result in long-term cognitive problems. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million for TBI victims. We work with neurologists and neuropsychologists to document the memory loss, personality changes, and loss of executive function that can end a person’s career.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When the roof of a car is crushed by a rolling semi-trailer near Roscoe, the spinal cord is often damaged. Whether it is paraplegia or quadriplegia, the cost of care is staggering. We fight for settlements that cover life care plans, ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million, ensuring our clients can afford home modifications, 24/7 nursing care, and the best medical technology available.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
The force of an 80,000-pound truck often causes limbs to be crushed or severed. An amputation settlement must account for the lifetime cost of prosthetic replacement, physical therapy, and the intense psychological trauma of losing a limb. Our firm’s track record includes settlements as high as $8.6 million for amputation cases.
Wrongful Death in Nolan County
There is no greater tragedy than losing a family member to a trucking company’s greed. In Texas, the surviving spouse, children, and parents can file a wrongful death claim. We have secured millions for families who have lost loved ones, providing them the financial security to grieve without fear of the future. As Ralph Manginello says, “We fight for your family because we treat you like family.”
If you are suffering, you are not alone. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Navigating the Damage Phase: What is Your Case Really Worth?
Under Texas law, you are entitled to several categories of damages. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña’s experience in insurance defense means we know exactly how to document these losses to maximize your settlement.
Economic Damages (The Calculable Losses)
- Past and Future Medical Bills: From the initial Nolan County EMS transport to future surgeries you’ll need 20 years from now.
- Lost Wages and Benefits: Every paycheck you miss and every promotion you lose because you can’t return to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If a blue-collar worker can no longer perform manual labor, we seek the difference in their lifetime earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages (The Life Impact)
- Pain and Suffering: The actual physical agony you experience every day.
- Mental Anguish: The PTSD, nightmares, and driving anxiety that follow a catastrophic truck wreck.
- Loss of Consortium: The damage to your relationship with your spouse and children.
- Disfigurement and Physical Impairment: The permanent changes to your body and your ability to interact with the world.
Punitive Damages (Holding Them Accountable)
In special cases where we can prove “gross negligence”—such as a trucking company knowingly putting a driver with a failed drug test on I-20—we seek punitive damages. These are designed to punish the company and prevent them from ever hurting anyone else in Roscoe again.
Roscoe Truck Accident FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Roscoe, Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. If you are hit by a government-owned vehicle or a certain type of corporate entity, there may be notice requirements as short as six months. Additionally, evidence in Roscoe truck cases disappears much faster than the two-year deadline.
2. What if I was partially at fault for the crash on I-20?
Texas follows a “51% bar” modified comparative negligence rule. This means as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your total settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the jury finds you 20% responsible, you can still collect 80% of your damages. We specialize in investigating these cases to ensure the trucking company doesn’t unfairly pin the blame on you.
3. Does Attorney911 offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer 100% free, no-obligation case evaluations for any Roscoe truck accident victim. We will listen to your story, check the safety records of the trucking company, and tell you exactly what your legal options are.
4. How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge $0 upfront. We pay for the investigators, the expert witnesses, and the court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a pre-agreed percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime.
5. What is “Self-Insurance” and why does Walmart use it?
Large corporations like Walmart and Amazon often “self-insure” for the first several million dollars of a claim. This means the money for your settlement comes directly out of the company’s bank account, not a third-party insurer. Because of this, they fight even harder to pay you nothing. You need an attorney like Ralph Manginello, who has gone head-to-head with self-insured giants and made them pay.
6. Can I sue for PTSD after a Roscoe truck accident?
Absolutely. Psychological trauma is a real and compensable injury in Texas. If you are having flashbacks, nightmares, or a crushing fear of driving on highways like US-84 after your accident, those are part of your “mental anguish” damages. We work with therapists to document these injuries for the jury.
Your Fight for Justice Starts with One Call
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers on retainer. They have deep pockets and a singular goal: to protect their profit by giving you as little as possible. You should never try to handle a commercial truck accident in Roscoe on your own. You deserve a legal team that is “Powerful & Proven.”
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring over 25 years of trial experience to your case. We know the roads of Nolan County. We know the courts in Sweetwater. And we know how to beat the insurance companies at their own game.
Don’t let them win by being silent. Every day you wait is a day they use to build their defense against you. We are ready to be your first responders in this legal emergency.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help the residents of Roscoe and the surrounding West Texas area. Hablamos Español. No fee unless we win.
Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.